(Post) MBA Blog

We were privileged to have Mr Yoshio Ishizaka, Executive VP of Toyota at the Judge today to speak on the leadership principles of himself and Toyota. He was accompanied and introduced by the black-shirted one himself - Mr Kevin Roberts, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi. Mr Ishizaka was more laid back than I thought he would be, always willing to poke a little fun at himself, which makes a nice change.

Somebody wanted to ask Kevin Roberts why Saatchi & Saatchi ditched the Cobra beer account under pressure from some big brewing clients, but they thought better of it!

Right guys, you know the drill, this is a run down of what he said...

The key traits of being a good leader:
1. The leader needs to be visionary; the leader needs a clear vision of what is required and also a clear mission for the team and the firm.

2. The leader needs to be a great communicator. He mentioned early attempts at internal online forums he promoted at Toyota, which seemed to be a great success, as well as the twice yearly Town Hall meetings he would have, where anyone could raise issues.

3. Yoshi's eight rules of leadership:
i) Keep an open mind and a develop a love for travel
ii) Communicate as much by listening as by talking
iii) Pack a positive attitude; everything can be worked out. Eliminate negative thinking
iv) Invest in your mind and body. Not too many late nights, not too much rich food. Keep time for yourself & family
v) Be a student for life
vi) Respect others at all levels
vii) Believe in building an entire team, not just your own position
viii) Know how to have fun and be a likeable work colleague!

On a final note, Yoshi encouraged us to try to bridge the gap between different cultures, since the world was getting smaller every day. Here here!

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