Michael Araten knows it’s not easy to develop a new strategic plan and lead employees in a different direction than they’d been used to travelling.
But that’s just what the president & COO of toy-maker K’NEX Brands did after he arrived in 2006 and was tasked with outlining a vision for growth.
In a June 2009 interview with Executive Leaders Radio, Araten talks about what it takes to be a strong leader and successful strategies he uses to lead K’NEX.
When Smart Business spoke with Araten in February 2009, he explained his keys to creating the plan, among them “listen before you act” and “ask yourself the right questions.”
Part of the plan involved diversification, which Araten will discuss on November 17, 2010, as part of a national Smart Business Webinar.
The bottom line is this: When it comes to developing strategies for growth, you better map the road you’re planning to take, get the team who is going to get you there motivated about the journey, and be prepared for all the twists and turns that you’re sure to encounter along the way.
Executive Leaders Radio and Smart Business are content partners. Executive Leaders Radio is dedicated to honoring individuals who have risen to leadership roles through hard work and determination. Araten appeared on the same Executive Leaders Radio program as Allen Khorami, president & CEO of International Communications Research Inc.; Kevin McCarthy, president of Liberty Personnel; and John Prosock, president of John Prosock Machine Inc.
