4:30 AM Meetings, Guest Speakers Scaring the Bejesus Out of Employees - Is Apollo Getting Gimmicky

 At mighty financial firm Apollo, CEO Marc Rowan has decided the goal is to double assets in five years. That aggressiveness is typical of Wall Street. 

But what is standing out, well, as weird are the motivational tactics Rowan has introduced. 

One, reports efinancialcareers, is to conduct 4:30 AM meetings. The message - get this - is that the organization needs a wakeup call. Is the implication that this business in which 20-hour days can be routine has become complacent. The symbolism is way too cute.

Another tactic is parachuting in guest speakers who "scare the bejesus" of those employed at Apollo.

This is peculiar leadership behavior. We who have observed so many management trends might classify Apollo's as "gimmicks." Most gimmicks are not only ineffective in achieving their motivational objectives. They can reduce the credibility of the organization and all its human moving parts. 

Forbes points out the foolishness of gimmicks such as:

WorkLifeBalance talk which is all talk. Obviously the business message is primarily about work. Employees know that.

Employee of the Month recognition. without monetary reward. A special parking place for that month can be experienced as the company's being cheap. 

All-hands meeting with leadership in which employees are invisible. You get it: Keep your mouth shut if you are employees and nod your head in agreement with what the brass is pontificating. 

Who might be among those getting scared are the players who are looped in with Apollo. Those range from investors (who were told all about this on investor day) and service providers such as law firm Paul Weiss. They need Apollo not to default into leadership/management tactics that tarnish the brand and push talent toward the exit. 

If this were an era with more humor (instead of the gravitas about interest rates, cost-efficiency and flashing signals about recession) Apollo might already be a joke.

As a coach, I recommend Rowan return to sticking to the knitting. He has been good at that.

Life is hard. Business is even more difficult these days. Get answers – and relief. Jane Genova is a results-driven intuitive coach, tarot reader and content-creator related to careers. Complimentary consultation (please text/phone 203-468-8579 or email janegenova374@gmail.com)