Mueller joining EK
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: UK
I understand the reservations expressed, but I think there is reason for some hope now. (Assuming of course that Herr Mueller is indeed joining EK. I have heard that he will start on 1 Oct.) It is clear that he is not the type to tread water and will already be in no doubt about the size of the task ahead of him.
It is great to listen to him talking (in the video clip of his interview) about people. The cynics amongst us may question how much of that comes from his heart or from his head, but I do not think that really matters. Just the understanding that listening to your people is fundamental to a successful organisation would bring a huge change to EK. The views he expresses about people are diametrically opposed to the approach taken by STC and GC.
CM talks about the need for a burning platform, but the EK situation is unusual. The overwhelming majority of staff are fully aware of the fire - they are in it. The problem is with the few who have been overtly fuelling it and have protected themselves with asbestos shields. Breaking those shields open will take the stature and resilience of someone like Herr Mueller. I have two reasons for hope for everyone at EK . . .
First, although CM will need a lot of cash to beef up the core operation, it will not be difficult to find. As long as a surgeon (not a butcher) is employed, most office based support functions in the EK Group are ripe for enormous efficiency gains without the need to reduce service levels. The (cost saving) industry standard is to initially take out 20% of costs in support areas. In my experience the impact of this (seemingly savage) cut, as long as it is done without fear or favour, initiates the necessary revolution. If the correct 20% of cost is removed, the picture becomes clear to everyone – waste creates waste. For example, identify an unnecessary layer of management and remove it, and everyone soon realises how little value it added to the business and how much work it itself created. So a 20% reduction becomes just the start. Key to success for the ‘surgeon’ in EK will be for all Group Service functions to be placed into one dedicated organisation and no longer be cluttered up with genuine business functions that can continue to bring useful revenue into the Group. The ‘surgeon’ should be someone who genuinely believes in people, efficiency and providing value to customers and, perhaps most importantly, should not be incentivised for meeting financial targets. This last requirement would also help with the appointment process – a ‘butcher’ would not take the job on without a cash prize (and escape route) waiting for him/her at the end of the maelstrom.
Secondly, I agree with the points raised about managers ‘keeping their heads down until retirement’ and I am certain many managers will have squirmed whilst hearing Herr Mueller constantly referring to ‘the truth’ and talking about a 4 a.m. visit ‘to the baggage room’. But there are also good managers in EK. Many have stayed well below the parapet over the years - some by force, some by personal choice – but hopefully these managers will recognise that this will be the right (and last?) opportunity to stand up and be counted. Certainly Herr Mueller will want to count them in. Up until now, anyone who tried to change things at EK ended up . . .
locked out.
It is great to listen to him talking (in the video clip of his interview) about people. The cynics amongst us may question how much of that comes from his heart or from his head, but I do not think that really matters. Just the understanding that listening to your people is fundamental to a successful organisation would bring a huge change to EK. The views he expresses about people are diametrically opposed to the approach taken by STC and GC.
CM talks about the need for a burning platform, but the EK situation is unusual. The overwhelming majority of staff are fully aware of the fire - they are in it. The problem is with the few who have been overtly fuelling it and have protected themselves with asbestos shields. Breaking those shields open will take the stature and resilience of someone like Herr Mueller. I have two reasons for hope for everyone at EK . . .
First, although CM will need a lot of cash to beef up the core operation, it will not be difficult to find. As long as a surgeon (not a butcher) is employed, most office based support functions in the EK Group are ripe for enormous efficiency gains without the need to reduce service levels. The (cost saving) industry standard is to initially take out 20% of costs in support areas. In my experience the impact of this (seemingly savage) cut, as long as it is done without fear or favour, initiates the necessary revolution. If the correct 20% of cost is removed, the picture becomes clear to everyone – waste creates waste. For example, identify an unnecessary layer of management and remove it, and everyone soon realises how little value it added to the business and how much work it itself created. So a 20% reduction becomes just the start. Key to success for the ‘surgeon’ in EK will be for all Group Service functions to be placed into one dedicated organisation and no longer be cluttered up with genuine business functions that can continue to bring useful revenue into the Group. The ‘surgeon’ should be someone who genuinely believes in people, efficiency and providing value to customers and, perhaps most importantly, should not be incentivised for meeting financial targets. This last requirement would also help with the appointment process – a ‘butcher’ would not take the job on without a cash prize (and escape route) waiting for him/her at the end of the maelstrom.
Secondly, I agree with the points raised about managers ‘keeping their heads down until retirement’ and I am certain many managers will have squirmed whilst hearing Herr Mueller constantly referring to ‘the truth’ and talking about a 4 a.m. visit ‘to the baggage room’. But there are also good managers in EK. Many have stayed well below the parapet over the years - some by force, some by personal choice – but hopefully these managers will recognise that this will be the right (and last?) opportunity to stand up and be counted. Certainly Herr Mueller will want to count them in. Up until now, anyone who tried to change things at EK ended up . . .
locked out.
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Austria
AAR is playing the music while his ship is sinking!
Sheikh Mo called Mueller to fix the problem but doesn't realise that his buddy AAR is the problem, so looks like a fix from outside is expected.
Hope everybody can evacuate as quickly as 521 before it's too late.
Sheikh Mo called Mueller to fix the problem but doesn't realise that his buddy AAR is the problem, so looks like a fix from outside is expected.
Hope everybody can evacuate as quickly as 521 before it's too late.
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: UK
If an unmovable mid level player is in the way, they can easily be promoted out. Increased pay and a bigger title to a sideline task is an easy fix, and while it may cost a small amount in extra pay and perks, it's cheaper than the damage of having someone in an unsuitable position or any legal action from a badly received demotion or sacking. It happens all the time in the political and state sectors (health, education, civil service, military, etc) in the West.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Behind you
If an unmovable mid level player is in the way, they can easily be promoted out. Increased pay and a bigger title to a sideline task is an easy fix, and while it may cost a small amount in extra pay and perks, it's cheaper than the damage of having someone in an unsuitable position or any legal action from a badly received demotion or sacking. It happens all the time in the political and state sectors (health, education, civil service, military, etc) in the West.
The Romans invented the procedure 2000 years ago..
Joined: Sep 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Non-Aircrew
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: FACT
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: P84
I think the whole Aussie Staff base should be worried!
The return for the dollar is just not there with the high cost base!
No reason to have any EK staff if DNATA runs the handling at the stations.
I would be worried if I was in this category.
The return for the dollar is just not there with the high cost base!
No reason to have any EK staff if DNATA runs the handling at the stations.
I would be worried if I was in this category.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 2
From: Kot Addu
Glofish, in actual Islam you arent allowed to let corruption flourish nor give preference to people you know for promotions or jobs, merit and honesty rules and you have to listen to the boss if he is an honest person be he non-Muslim.
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: dubai
AAR has to go
We all know the people that are the root of all the misery and mismanagement- AAR being fairly high on that ladder- the big question is , does Mueller have the go- ahead to remove these people.... I am afraid that Wasta will truly destroy this airline.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: LHR
Tragically AAR can never be 'removed' from the Company however hopefully CM will be given enough freedom to 'promote' him out of our way.
Then and only then we may start to see an improvement in things over time - too late for me though. Started the stopwatch and making plans.
Then and only then we may start to see an improvement in things over time - too late for me though. Started the stopwatch and making plans.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: uk
EK is / was the Golden Goose, there is much concern that the "eggs" are getting smaller and the Goose is slowly bleeding to death. I am not sure how far the bonds of loyalty stretch, mutual destruction is a high price to pay for someone who isn't family.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: UAE
Again:::
Wasta vs Mueller = Wasta victory!
Sad but true.
Wasta vs Mueller = Wasta victory!
Sad but true.