Integer Leadership Consulting

While there is little pity over the forced “retirement” of Mr. O’Neal from Merrill Lynch, there is a powerful lesson to be learned about the perils of trying to change, alter or otherwise tweak a incredibly ensconced traditional culture such as Merrill Lynch. The New York Times said it perfectly, “His fall is…a reminder of how dangerous it is to tinker with a firm’s culture…Mr. O’Neal discovered how vengeful a spurned culture can be.”

O’Neal’s leadership was about everything other than changing the culture. Granted, he miscalculated by making some wrong decisions leading to strategic blunders that cost him his job. I ask was he trying to be innovative, entrepreneurial, cutting-edge…perhaps even a leader? My vantage point says yes.

Strange how the work of leadership in some places means NOT leading but following. How brutal to be in a position where your role is to be a figurehead…a veritable frontispiece void of the capacity to bring change. Though money is no issue here, I would hope that Mr. O’Neal can land in an organization that will let him lead. “But,” Mr. O’Neal, “you might want to check in with the board next time you have what you think is a darn good idea.” Leadership, after all, is not about unilateral action but rather about building stakeholder buy-in which results from a compelling visionary leader.