Well maybe Mory took the company from 0 to a billion. But
now is about the time for the third generation of management.
Cisco outgrew their founders, then had a second generation
that grew the company to billion (John Mordgrige), and is
on generation 3 with John Chambers who is taking it to
world class status. Founders, and even second generation
managers are great for growing startup and rapid ascension,
but may not have the political savvy to play in the big
leagues. This includes courting and managing of analysts.
Look at any one of the great companies, and you'll see that
they know how to manage expectations. The street doesn't
like surprises, and they'll value a company that can produce
a linear steady growth rate, than one that swings wildly
up and down. Mory may be best at growing a startup, but
his disdain of analysts (shared by lots of us too), is
unfortunate for a billion $ company, and the street is
punishing them unfairly. A world-class company doesn't need
an egotistical management. Someone like Gozuieta, Chambers,
Welch, etc. will put Ascend back on the buylists. |
