Title: Adidas CEO Boosts Company Morale by Sharing Personal Phone Number Amid Crisis
In a bold move to increase transparency and improve communication within the company, Adidas CEO, Bjørn Gulden, recently distributed his personal phone number to all employees. This comes in the aftermath of a crisis involving renowned rapper Kanye West, whose antisemitic remarks caused a significant backlash against Adidas.
Gulden’s decision to make his phone number available was prompted by numerous complaints from employees about the lack of transparency within the company. He believed that by allowing employees to reach him directly, he could foster open and honest communication, ultimately boosting morale and addressing the concerns raised.
Since the inception of this initiative, Gulden has been flooded with approximately 200 messages per week from employees across various departments, offering suggestions and expressing their concerns. The flood of messages reflects the employees’ confidence in Gulden’s commitment to addressing their needs and concerns.
The move has proven highly successful, with Adidas now on track to return to profitability. Gulden’s turnaround efforts have been commended, as reflected in the remarkable increase of Adidas shares by 17.5% over the past year. In contrast, industry competitors such as Nike and JD Sports have struggled to maintain profitability amidst an increasingly challenging market.
Adidas’ positive trajectory can be attributed, in part, to Gulden’s hands-on approach in tackling issues head-on. By creating an environment of enhanced communication and open dialogue, he has garnered invaluable insights from employees, leading to more informed decision-making and the potential for positive change within the company.
Interestingly, Gulden is not the only CEO advocating for transparent communication channels with employees. Executives like Anna Lundstrom of Nespresso also emphasize the importance of being easily reachable, as it fosters better communication, collaboration, and keeps leaders better informed about current happenings within their organization.
As Adidas and Gulden continue to thrive in the wake of recent challenges, it is evident that their commitment to employee engagement and transparency sets them apart in the industry. By valuing their employees’ opinions and actively seeking their input, Adidas has created a culture that empowers its workforce and drives them towards shared success.
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