Scan Magazine | Business | Column/Calendar
Who would make the better boss? How would you like Jeremy Corbyn or Boris Johnson as head of your organisation? As the Brexit saga morphed into an election campaign, I started to wonder how the leading candidates for the top job, CEO of UK Ltd., might fare if they had to interview for the position rather than go to the polls. Of course, politics and business require different skills, but there are leadership qualities that we look for in both politicians and business people. Here’s my only slightly tongue-in-cheek scorecard for each of our shortlist of two. 1. Work experience. Corbyn has been a town councillor. Johnson has been a journalist, did a clever PR job as Mayor of London and was, for two years, a gaffe-prone foreign secretary. Both now preside over parties riven by internecine conflict. These CVs raise doubts as to the ability of either to run a whelk stall competently. 2. Management plans. Both have ambitious spending programmes. Neither has provided convincing details at the time of writing as to how they will be financed. 3. Communication. Corbyn has been dull and uninspiring and has failed to gain a com-
petitive advantage in his current position. Johnson can fashion a witty phrase but puts his foot in his mouth with alarming regularity. Good for the image of the firm? 4. Values. Corbyn can give the impression of still living in the 1970s. Johnson, once a cosmopolitan liberal, is currently a rightwing populist. One never changes, the other changes to advance his career. 5. Character. See above. Corbyn has difficulties adapting to a changing world. Johnson’s lying, attention seeking and disregard for rules are all symptoms of a narcissistic personality, usually an indicator of a toxic management style. 6. Vision. Both have a vision that appeals
By Steve Flinders to a minority and alienates the rest. Strong leaders mobilise the whole workforce, not just part of it. So, neither candidate does very well by my count. Perhaps we should re-advertise the vacancy.
Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, writer and coach, based in Malta, who helps people develop their communication and leadership skills for working internationally: steveflind@aol.com
Business Calendar Scandinavian business events you do not want to miss this month Formex The Nordic region’s biggest interior design fair is a must for anyone looking to remain up to speed on the latest trends in textiles, accessories, tableware and gifts. The biannual trade-only fair brings together 850 exhibitors and some 25,000 visitors. At the end of the fair, the Formex Trends presentation will shed light on the trends to be on the lookout for, while the Formex Formidable awards will also be announced. Date: 14-17 January Where: Mässvägen 1 Älvsjö, 125 80 Stockholm, Sweden www.formex.se
Buying Property Overseas Nordic buyers are a significant niche for holiday home developers, particularly in the sunnier climes of Spain, but also in destinations as far flung as Florida and Thailand. The Buying Property Overseas show takes place within Northern Europe’s leading travel fair, Matka, which attracts some 60,000
travel enthusiasts – many of them prospective clients for developers, agents and brokers. This year’s seminars will also put the spotlight on tax, pension and mortgage matters. Date: 17-19 January Where: Messukeskus, Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki, Finland www.fairmedia.se
Arctic Frontiers 2020 With extreme weather and record-breaking cold spells at normally temperate latitudes making the headlines in late 2019, there’s perhaps never been a more urgent need to focus on what’s happening across the Arctic region. Themed the Power of Knowledge, the 14th edition of the annual conference aims to create pathways between science, government and industry. In addition to the main event, a number of affiliated talks and forums will take place around the same time. Date: 26-30 January
By Johanna Iivonen Where: The Fram Centre, Hjalmar Johansens gate 14, Tromsø, Norway www.arcticfrontiers.com
Nordic M&A Forum Despite some positive mid-year movement, the Nordic M&A market hasn’t had the hottest of years in 2019. What’s in store for 2020? Is impact investing a hindrance or something to gauge? What’s the deal with the currency factor? These key questions and more are on the agenda at this forum, which brings together stakeholders from the banking, asset management and private equity sectors, as well as advisory firms, from both the city and the Nordics. Date: 6.30pm, 6 February Where: Linklaters LLP, One Silk Street, EC2Y 8HQ London, UK www.scc.org.uk
Issue 131 | December 2019 | 91