On Call - I happened to witness a small piece of business history last week while attending the Los Angeles Auto Show. As you may know by now, General Motors CEO, Fritz Henderson, resigned from GM early last week after pressure from quarters unknown (though specualted endlessly upon) to move on. Henderson was scheduled to speak at the Motor Press Guild breakfast - the traditional kick-off to the LA Show - before about 1000 assembled journalists the following morning. That didn't happen. Instead, GM Vice Chairman, and legendary automotive executive, Bob Lutz, got the call late Monday night (11/30).

 

I spoke with a Detroit-based journalist that morning who had been on Lutz's redeye from Detroit to LA. Whilst standing in line to board he noticed the well known Lutz cut to the front of the line and head for first class with only a sheaf of papers in his hand. Lutz had no escorts which was unusual. Upon arriving in LA, my colleague told me, he was whisked away by several GM PR types. Hours later, he was giving a speech at the MPG breakfast with little sleep and little preparation. Lutz did an outstanding job.

 

He was witty, knowledgeable and deflected questions about Mr. Henderson's departure with good humored skill. I suggest we draw two lessons from this. First, the CEO or senior executive must be prepared to improvise at a moment's notice. Your business and the 'game' around it can change radically at any time. Think ahead but be prepared to be quick on your feet when necessary. Second, Mr. Lutz is in his mid-70s. The depth of his experience and personal confidence are obvious and a signal to any CEO that with age wisdom doth often come. Treat all of your company talent equally and don't dismiss time-honed experience for the new kid on the block. All I'd add was that there were some bitchin' cars there....