One Enormous Asset To Disney
The Walt Disney was initially found by the two brothers Walt and Roy in 1923. It started off with a $500 loan and then it went on growing drastically year by year into a distinguished entertainment industry. Later, to handle the licensing of Walt Disney name and other characters, Disney's consumer product (DCP) division was established. In 1934 Disney went global involving with international licensing and they have made partnerships with eight different countries which were managed in twenty various markets. That is when they have decided that they need a European branch president.
In June 1987, Dennis Hightower was appointed as the vice president to DCP Europe. Dennis had a military background and he was one great leader. His most eminent challenges were, dealing with the cultural differences between various European countries and the cultural divisions of the intercontinental partnerships which were built. It was challenging to get to know their needs and create a plan that was inclusive of their disparities. Another major challenge he faced while building and managing an intercontinental organization was connecting the knowledge shared among different locations and making good productive use of it to achieve a competitive advantage. The difference between culture and the target market was a big challenge for Dennis and his team.
His main approach in bringing desirable change was around two points - people and persuasion. The amount of time and effort he spent on his people shows his passion for his staff and organization, and he believed that without this passion positive results of change can't exist. Hightower also believed "not in ordering, but in persuading people" which makes the employees feel empowered and important to the organization. In July 1988 beginning in Italy, he went beyond licensing and started publishing business because he understood the fact that as a licensor one only gains normal loyalty, but they are never a core business to one's licensee.
I feel he has been a perfect leader to DCP Europe and has implemented all of the effective leader's principles. A perfect leader works along with his/her team, knowing about their organization needs and culture and its potential impact on the organization. Hightower always did the right things which resulted in the success. So, if I were him I would have taken similar actions as him. But just for the apparel business going down, I would have arranged a meeting with various country managers and made sure there is enough number of licensed manufactures to serve the market. Other than this I completely appreciate his leadership and he definitely is one enormous asset to Disney.
