Ceo Characteristics

My initial post was surrounding American Express CEO, Kenneth I. Chenault. After reading the requirements of our discussion board and reviewing the negative commentary surrounding Mr. Chenault, I was forced to change course. This assignment requires us to discuss three characteristics that make the individual an effective leader and the legacy they will leave behind. I like to think that if the research was done prior to the financial downfall of our economy, that the outcome would have been different. After all, the man has remained the CEO for nearly a decade.

Instead, my post is about William C. Weldon, CEO of Johnson & Johnson. The things that make him an effective leader are his passion for success, tenacity and work ethic. The 117-year-old company is an astonishingly complex enterprise, made up of 204 different businesses organized into three divisions: drugs, medical devices and diagnostics, and consumer products (Business Week, 2003). Mr. Weldon has worked under various sectors of the Johnson & Johnson business umbrella since he left college over 30 ears ago.

His strong passion for success comes from his wealth of knowledge about the organization and his career growth. Mr. Weldon continues to be one of the longest-tenured and most well-respected CEOs in the health care industry (Forbes, 2008).

Weldon’s tenacity was realized early in his career by his strong and forward thinking business moves. In the 90’s, Weldon did what he does best: He went after the leading company, United States Surgical Corp., as if it were a mortal threat (Spiro, 2003). His work ethic is evident from his ability to rise from an entry level sales position to the CEO! He is well respected amongst his co-workers and the community.

The work ethic of Johnson & Johnson’s leadership team is admired near and afar. They have continued the legacy derived from the original founders that constitute innovative ideas that are derived and marketed by hard...