1PIZZEDOFFAMT

Has anyone read this book and if so what are the suggestions in the last chapter. http://www.targetmarkbooks.com/

CVG767A

I just bought the book yesterday (Borders Books in CVG's concourse B). I'll post my thoughts on it as soon as I finish, if I don't blow out an artery first.

banger

You know I've read the book and although it had some good facts and stories it really seems to be subjectively written. Like Harry Nolan golfs with a bunch of Delta guys who said "someone really outa write a book about the DAL collapse". Also it is mostly written like a text book on a leadership course rather than a history. That said it still is unbelievable how mismanaged the company was during the 90"s and 00's.
Sorry can't remember what the lessons were at the end.

CVG767A

I just finished reading it- it was only about a 3 or 4 hour read. Overall, not a very well written book; It looked more like a published set of notes, and would have benefitted from an editor's touch.

It was however, a good collection of facts. Some key points:

-Ron Allen was a CEO who was promoted above his level of abilities. His tenure was the start of the move away from the "family" culture, as well as the beginning of the sharp uptick in spending and, as a result, debt.

-Leo Mullin and his band of outsiders and consultants were little more than thieves, who lined their pockets, then were surprised that they lost the moral authority to guide the company through times when sacrifices would be required.

-Gerry G. is seen as a true leader, who, out of a sense of loyalty and responsibility, will do the right thing for Delta. (The author acknowledges GG's position on the BOD through the RA and LM years, but lets him off easy on this account.)

Some key recommendations for Delta's management:

-Gerry should remain CEO through the entire BK process.

-Honor the pension obligations. This would restore the trust between management and the employees. (maybe)

-Eliminate Human Resources. Instead, have a chief of corporate culture.

-Fire the management consultants. Consult with retired Delta executives if you need a fresh perspective.

-Increasing international flying is only a short term solution for Delta's problems. A long term plan for coping with increased competition and high fuel cost should be developed ASAP (duh).

My take on it: Even the best company can be ruined in short order by bad management, and every airline in this country is only one MBA away from ruin.

Skypilot

I bought it on a recommendation. Wish I hadn't. While it does a have a few interesting tidbits, it is mostly one long rant against various Delta executives and Board members. The author overuses anonymous sources and quite comically refers to a major consulting company to as "Consultant X" - as if someone couldn't figure it out.

All in all, if you want to read this kind of emotional, poorly written, and undocumented "analysis", stick to internet message boards. At least they're free. ;-)