Ever wondered what keeps Jefferson Smurfit executives buoyed up, despite its share price languishing at its lowest level for 10 years? Well, The Margin thinks it has the answer. It's a twofold process driven by one factor: Dr Michael Smurfit.
Asked what advice he would give on leading an organisation, he listed three factors, one of which he called governance. He defined this as providing direction and guidance as necessary, particularly in difficult times. .
He added that, from all of this, loyalty results. "In my company, this unique esprit de corps, known simply as the `Smurfit Way', has been the secret to our success in developing a small box plant in Rathmines to become the world leader in packaging."
His comments, along with those of other leading Irish businessmen, are contained in Best Practice, the journal of Excellence Ireland, part of the Irish Quality Control Association.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, when asked about leadership, offered no advice, saying he believed business leaders "should do rather than think about it".
