Google’s new CEO Larry Page isn’t waiting to make waves in his new position. This Forbes article by Steve Denning discusses how Page “accidentally” sent out a companywide memo talking about how 25% of bonuses will be tied to innovations that are more social-network-like. However, the article states also that although Page leaked the memo to every Google employee, only a small portion of whom actually work on social innovations. The article goes on to discuss how maybe it was Page’s way of telling employees the focus of their new direction – social media. Page wants employees to get others, family, friends, etc., to like and adapt whatever social products they offer.
Is Page making rookie mistakes or is he trying to be sneaky, getting social media on the brain of employees? The article goes on to criticize how Page is using extrinsic rewards to get what he wants, which is something creative and innovative.
In this case, Page is a great example of someone who is not displaying transformational leadership. Instead of inspiring and motivating his employees by being a strong role model, he is sending companywide bonus-threatening memos about how Google needs to find the next Facebook. I would describe Larry Page as more of a skills model leader. He is a cofounder of Google and has been waiting, practicing, preparing for his run as CEO for ten years. He has developed the skills that he needs, but this unprofessional example may leave doubt in the minds of Google employees. The article also hints that Page is stressed about coming up with something to rival Facebook (what they call “yesterday’s next big thing”), instead of looking to the future and focusing on what Google users want.
Posted by Samantha Wilson
It seems that his transactional leadership tendencies could also have something to do with his own need to show his leadership abilities early on. Hopefully he sees the possible negative affects of transactional leadership
ReplyDeleteLiz Higgins
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it will be hard to demonstrate transformational leadership in this situation if some employees feel offended or threatened by Larry Page's message. I also believe it affects their level of trust, which is the main pillar in effective leadership. Larry Page seems to be engaging in transactional leadership which solely focuses on the exchanges that occuer between leaders and their followers. This article makes it appear that Page is mistakenly taking an opportunistic approach for Google and this can be a dangerous path.
Posted By: Christine Burklin