Peter Weaver Case Study

Peter Weaer doesnt like to follo the crod. He thinks groupthink is a common problem in many organizations. This former director of marketing for a consumer products company beliees differences of opinion should be heard and appreciated. As Weaer states, I have always believed I should speak for what I believe to be true.

He demonstrated his belief in being direct and candid throughout his career. On one occasion, he was assigned to market Pauls spaghetti-sauce products. During the brand review, the compan president said, Our spaghetti sauce is losing out to price-cutting competitors. We need to cut our prices!

Peter found the courage to say he disagreed with the president. He then explained the product line needed more variety and a larger advertising budget. Prices should not be cut. The president accepted Weaers reasoning. Later, his superisor approached him and said, I anted to sa that, but I just didnt hae the courage to challenge the president.

On another occasion, the president sent Weaver and 16 other executives to a weeklong seminar on strategic planning. Weaver soon concluded the consultants were off base and going down the wrong path. Between sessions, most of the other eecuties indicated the didnt think the consultants were on the right path. The consultants heard about the dissent and dramaticall asked participants hether the ere in or out. Those ho said Out had to leave immediately.

As the consultants went around the room, every executive who privately grumbled about the session said In. Weaer as fourth from last. When it as his turn, he said Out and left the room.

All leaders spend time in reflection and self-examination to identify what they truly believe and value. Their beliefs are tested and fine-tuned over time. True leaders can tell you, ithout hesitation, hat the beliee and h. The dont need a teleprompter to remind them of their core beliefs. And, they find the courage to speak up even when they know others will disagree.

Q:Talk and describe a leadership characteristic in yourself and how its applied? ( the description should be something related to work field and not personal example)