News: Customer Service/Care
Cisco opts for "visible leadership"
23 December 2008
Cisco is seeking to improve its entire operations by developing its employees' leadership skills.
Charlie Johnston, the firm's human resources director, told peoplemanagement.co.uk that Cisco wants to create an atmosphere where "people can excel" and that a development in leadership and enhanced communication can assist in creating this environment.
The director adds this change should occur at a cultural level and will assist new employees, such as graduates, to better understand Cisco's own values. He argues that "quality leadership" will allow this to occur within his organisation.
Mr Johnston also suggests that changing methods of communication within the modern workplace and the emergence of the internet means that old leadership techniques, such as "command and control" are "obsolete".
The director argues that many professionals now expect to work in a more "collaborative" atmosphere. He adds that leaders face a new challenge in meeting this and have to "step up" to the task.
John Chambers, the company's chief executive officer, told Fast Magazine earlier this year that Cisco has also sought to spread leadership across the fabric of the company, forming a number of executive boards and councils.
As a result of these changes, the company can now "innovate with tremendous speed", Mr Chambers suggests.
