“Leadership in Communication” series
 “I encourage my team to manage me. In other words, I prefer to lead in a manner that complements and accelerates the intentions of my team. I believe in challenging and stretching people to reach their fullest potential, while empowering them to make the tough, fact-based business decisions necessary to effectively and successfully run their business, organization or function."
Stu Reed, executive vice president, Integrated Supply Chain, Motorola[1]
Stu Reed, IABC 2007 EXCEL Award winner, was chosen to receive this prestigious award because he has demonstrated leadership in supply chain management and, working closely with his director of communications, has made communication an integral part of transforming the supply chain function.
Reed impressed the 2007 IABC EXCEL Award Committee[2] as an authentic, straight talker who interacts regularly with all levels of his workforce, both face-to-face and through communication vehicles that enable him to share supply chain strategy, expectations and successes.
Communication in the Integrated Supply Chain function is planned, strategic and evaluated. Reed has worked closely with his communication director to execute a comprehensive communication plan that addresses the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
Reed was actively involved in developing a set of consistent messages aligned with Motorola’s business strategy. He also made it easy to put these messages together in an engaging and compelling format. By using a collaborative approach in developing meaningful and consistent messages, and continuously reinforcing them through leadership actions and organizational initiatives, Reed was able to engage employees to help achieve business success.
The Award Committee[3] found that Reed communicates with clarity of purpose, ensures effective stakeholder communication, supports effective information sharing, is consistent in his communication behavior and expects the same of his team. These are the ingredients for communication competence in business as identified in research sponsored by IABC’s Research Foundation.
Reed has a great deal of experience and an acknowledged position in supply chain management. He manages a cross-cultural workforce that includes operations in countries such as China and India. Against this background, he is transforming Motorola’s supply chain and realizing efficiency and productivity gains for the organization. The supply chain is now a distinct competitive advantage for the company.
“You’ve really brought the word ‘team’ to a new level of meaning inside our company. No matter how well you have done, you want to do better, and that is a great attitude.”
Ed Zander, chairman and chief executive officer, Motorola
Case study #1. Straight-talking, regular kind of guy
IABC International Conference 2007 ConferenceCast: Excel Winner Stu Reed
[1] Since Stu Reed was named the IABC 2007 EXCEL Award winner he has transitioned from his previous role as executive vice president of Motorola’s Integrated Supply Chain to a new role as president of Motorola’s Mobile Devices business.
[2] 2007 EXCEL Award Committee: Dr. Samuel Adenekan; Beatrice Cardon; Jay Coleman, ABC; Meryl David, ABC, Chair; Leticia Narvaez, ABC; and Elise Roaf, ABC
[3] The Award Committee assesses six criteria in each nomination: skills, strategy, commitment to communication, personal communication, diverse audience/international experience,, and ethical and professional standards.
“Leadership in Communication” series – Table of Contents
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