While touring the Frascati vineyards outside of Rome with a business associate and as we learned the basic techniques of winemaking, our in-between co Show moreWhile touring the Frascati vineyards outside of Rome with a business associate and as we learned the basic techniques of winemaking, our in-between conversation was focused on the difficulties and change our industry and his country were facing. We pondered and discussed our positions and responsibilities for our organization. during this time. We were well aware of the many industry challenges facing us and our board of directors. It was upon reflection of that conversation and the memory of that beautiful scenario of those luscious vineyards that it struck me how similar the management of the fruit· of the grapevine is to the management of organizations. For example, during the first to four years in the life of a young vine, it is so busy creating a root system and building a strong woody stalk that it will not bear more than a few grapes. This is similar to a business which is new or just recovering from a financial setback before it becomes profitable. In its continuous growth the grapevine, if left untouched, invests much of its energy on making new shoots and putting out long wanderng branches until it covers a lot of ground, but still does not produce any fruit. Businesses, if left to grow in an uncontrolled manner, like the grapevine, will require investments in many areas of the organization and may still not produce profits for the long term. Doctorate of Management Programs Show less
