The Guerrilla Effect - From UAW to Paul Weiss to Your Business/Career

“Guerrilla warfare can be as painful as full-out war ... You hit one plant, and end up destructing the whole organization.”- Philippe Houchois, auto analyst at Jeffries, quoted in Financial Times, September 27, 2023 

ALSO REELING ARE DEALERSHIPS

Part of the way UAW head Shawn Fain has brought back the labor movement in America has been with atypical strategy. As the Financial Times points out, dealers expected the usual. That would be striking one auto maker. They didn't beef up their inventory. Now the financial implications of the current UAW actions could bleed into dealerships. They will push back, escalating the pressure on the auto corporations.

STUN + DO IT IN PIECES + KEEP DOING IT IN PIECES

Not only did Fain decide to simultaneously strike all three auto players. Another surprise was to only activate work stoppages piecemeal. And, then on an ongoing unpredictable basis.

That's the essence of guerrilla warfare and why it is so effective. Just the introduction of it can bring it all down. Factor into the carnage the self-confidence and public image of the opponents. 

TIME DELAY FOR "ENEMY" TO REGROUP

In coaching, I discuss the guerrilla strategy with clients who need to get huge quick results. The fundamentals are: 1) Surprise and 2) Do it in bits and pieces. Keep it up.

Immediately you throw the "them" off their game and there will be a time delay before they can put together a defense, never mind going on the offense.

THE REACH BEYOND BLUE COLLAR

Recently in the Knowledge Worker niche of professional services law firm Paul Weiss pulled off a guerrilla warfare coup. A stunner in itself: It launched a surprise raid of talent in London and Los Angeles at giant (three times the manpower of Paul Weiss) Kirkland & Ellis.

Then it returned twice more for more poaching. You got it: Three hits.

What do you smell in the global legal sector after that? Fear. There's no telling where Paul Weiss will strike again. And then again. Since becoming a guerrilla the perception of Paul Weiss' power has increased exponentially.

SCHOOL FOR GUERRILLAS

Clearly the current key attribute of leaders is this: boldness. The big kahunas at Disney, Goldman Sachs and even Citigroup may be way too timid. 

Prediction: There could come into use when assessing a brand, stock and more the term: Guerrilla Effect. 

Profit Centers: The UAW and Paul Weiss (Dentons has an advisory public affairs practice) can develop a fresh revenue source developing guerrilla leadership.

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).