The amount of people (in US-based leadership roles, director and above) that have recently been hired from outside the company is astonishing.. so many new faces coming in thinking they know the answers to every problem, can solve everything immediately and worst of all, have an arrogance and approach of telling people how it all should be done (because it’s their way or no way) - It just doesn’t fit our culture.
Why do we keep doing this to ourselves?
Why are we so against hiring from within, rewarding employees for improved performance YoY and focusing on developing a people-first culture that’s meaningful and long-term? Instead, if often feels like we look outward for people who seem to finesse their way through interviews with out of touch Sr. Leaders and then these new hires find themselves in roles where they aren’t able or willing to understand the business, all while effectively managing people and building productive/healthy relationships around them (above, below and next to). All of which, IMO, would ultimately lead to the growth of the business and overall health of the brand.
To put it simply, I miss the old adidas - where leaders were respected, decision making was swift and teams across the brand fell in line with the direction that was given and were able to effectively collaborate and build incredible, industry leading products, services and marketing campaigns.