HBR On Leadership Taking Decisive Action in a Crisis
Jun 14, 2023
Gautam Mukunda, a research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, delves into Cynthia Carroll's groundbreaking leadership decisions at Anglo American. He discusses her unprecedented choice to suspend operations at a South African platinum mine to prioritize worker safety, a move that significantly altered the company's culture. Mukunda highlights the challenges faced in the mining industry, including navigating ethics, safety, and workforce diversity, illustrating the profound impact of decisive action in times of crisis.
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Early Crisis at Anglo American
- Cynthia Carroll, new CEO of Anglo American, faced a crisis early in her tenure.
- Five miners died in accidents at the Rustenburg platinum mine within her first few months.
Unconventional Leadership
- Cynthia Carroll was an unconventional choice for CEO, being an American woman from outside the mining industry.
- Anglo American had never had a leader with such a diverse background.
Complex Challenges in South Africa
- Cynthia Carroll faced complex challenges at Anglo American, including illiteracy, language barriers, and the legacy of apartheid.
- Political tensions and the company's recent headquarters relocation added further complexity.