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    Put the Moose on the Table

    Lessons in Leadership from a CEO's Journey through Business and Life

    By Randall Tobias

    Published 04/2003



    About the Author

    Randall Tobias, a former Chairman and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, blends a wealth of personal experience with profound insights on leadership in his book "Put the Moose on the Table: Lessons in Leadership from a CEO's Journey." Tobias's journey to the top of the pharmaceutical giant was marked by a series of transformative events, both professional and personal, that shaped his leadership philosophy. Before his tenure at Lilly, Tobias served as Vice Chairman at AT&T, bringing with him a unique perspective that challenged the status quo of the pharmaceutical industry. His ability to navigate crises, maintain integrity, and inspire a culture of transparency and respect made him a standout leader.

    Main Idea

    The core message of "Put the Moose on the Table" revolves around the importance of transparency, integrity, and effective communication in leadership. Tobias emphasizes that true leadership is not just about making decisions but about fostering an environment where open dialogue and respect for colleagues are paramount. By "putting the moose on the table," Tobias advocates for addressing issues head-on rather than letting them fester, thereby promoting a culture of honesty and accountability.

    Table of Contents

    1. The Simplest Explanation
    2. Get the Moose on the Table
    3. When Communicating, Know What's Being Heard, Not What's Being Said
    4. The Hierarchy of Secrets
    5. Managers or Leaders?
    6. Adding Value(s)
    7. Crisis Center
    8. Recipe (Reciprocity) for Success
    9. Flex Appeal
    10. When It's Time to Go

    The Simplest Explanation

    Tobias introduces a principle known to scientists as Occam's Razor, which suggests that the simplest explanation is often the correct one. He applies this principle to business, highlighting that straightforward questions and actions can yield significant results. On his first day at Eli Lilly, Tobias faced a major crisis involving a clinical trial. Despite the initial skepticism from Lilly's employees about his capabilities, Tobias quickly demonstrated his leadership by focusing on the patients' well-being as the top priority. This approach not only garnered trust but also set the tone for his tenure at Lilly.

    "Leadership is about far more than producing results through one's own initiative - it's about producing results through others." - Randall Tobias

    Simplifying Complexity

    • Delegating tasks to competent team members while setting clear priorities.
    • Addressing crises by prioritizing core values, such as patient safety in the case of Lilly's clinical trial.
    • Encouraging open communication to simplify decision-making processes.

    Get the Moose on the Table

    "Get the moose on the table" became a mantra at Lilly under Tobias's leadership. It signified the need to discuss issues openly and transparently. Tobias expanded the traditional definition of integrity to include transparency, advocating for employees to voice their opinions even when unpopular. This culture of honesty was crucial in making timely and sound business decisions.

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