Sunday, June 17, 2007

Lions and Tigers and Acquisitions... oh MY!

MAN!!! I just cannot seem to catch a break. Just 6 months after my company was wholly acquired by Dow Jones, now News Corp has made a bid for Dow Jones.... and the "big fish eats smaller fish" theory applies again.

So while I'm honestly a bit weary of the operational tempo associated with this I am neither worried or disheartened by it. In fact, if this sort of activity doesn't get you worked up just a bit, you should really check your pulse! It's natural for this type of thing to be polarizing, exasperating and more than a little exciting (like being chased by a pack of rabid wolves maybe?). I actually find this a great opportunity - let me explain...


The good guerilla knows that effectively managing in a time of change can open new doors. As I blogged in an earlier post about managing
within the vortex of M&A you can either lead the process and show the company your value, or you can shrink from the challenge and demonstrate what you don't have to offer. Given the choice, it's ALWAYS better to lead! Don't leave your fate in the hands of others who may not know your talents and desires. Step up, speak up and let everyone around you know what you can do, as well as what you want to do in the new world order.

Now, some of the more timid in the crowd will think this approach a bit brazen, but the battle is usually one by those who take it by the horns - Like the top guns of
the British SAS say - Who Dares Wins!


YOUR MISSION:
Take a look at the competitive space your company is operating in. Are you on the market to acquire, or be acquired? Don't wait for the news to tell you about a deal in the works.... start planning out now - what will you do if you are being bought? Plan your next steps and ensure you have everything ready when the storm hits - because you won't have time after the news breaks to make up for missed opportunities along the way.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I believe that the psychologists refer to this all as "locus of control." People with an internal locus of control believe they can affect what happens to them and look for opportunities to do so. People with an external locus of control wake up and let the world (or the acquisition) happen to them.

Patrick Williams said...

That's a great bit of insight Wally. And by the way, I just loooove the word "locus".:)