Just a few weeks ago, we posted our take on Netflix’s decision to essentially divide its company between its movie download division and a new DVD division called Qwikster.
At the time, we (along with thousands of folks on Facebook and Twitter) castigated Netflix for making an extremely lame move that otherwise took a brand that “gets” it, and made them look dumb.
Then earlier in the week, Netflix head Reed Hastings put out a “never mind” statement to attempt to “undo” their decision by blowing up Qwikster.
Good move. And to their credit, they did it “qwikley.” Wall Street responded with a huge rise in Netflix’s share prize, and the response from the “community” ranges from positive to “Why did you do it in the first place?”
We all make decisions we come to regret. And as a consultant, I can tell you that mistakes are often obvious within the first 30 days, whether there are accompanying Arbitron numbers to prove the point or not.
Earlier this week, Merlin Media announced the “exit” of anchor Dave Williams in Chicago at FM News 101.1. Both the company’s Chicago and New York stations may be evolving into using a more traditional “all news” format wheel, while moving away from the conversational, colloquial approach. Again, PPM provides a pretty fast look at a new format or show, but the instincts of solid radio people are usually better than the data.
It takes courage to overturn a bad decision and make it right again. And it takes even bigger stones to do it quickly.
So what’s the worst career mistake you ever made, and did you make it worse by not quickly fixing it?
(And marriages don’t count, where it is simply not possible to just hit “undo.”)
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Radio + Thanksgiving = Gratitude - November 27, 2024
- Is It Quittin’ Time For SiriusXM? - November 26, 2024
- Radio, It Oughta Be A Crime - November 25, 2024
Kudos, Fred. Good post. Important lesson. Having the courage, probity to see things as they are, not as they were or as one wishes them to be is essential in making progress. Leaders who understand, respect and embrace the strategy of “failing faster” are rare.
I always know we’ve written something of value when you take the time to offer a comment and a thought. Thanks much, Dave, for taking the time. Courage is exactly what’s needed these days.