Bridge the Gap

Many US businesses are failing. Many can be restored to health.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 70 percent of American businesses buckle after ten years. Some of this is due to technological disruption and economic downturns. But many businesses fail because of poor management and inadequate leadership.

Can leaders revitalize struggling businesses and organizations before they collapse? If so, they can play a vital role in preserving and creating jobs, thereby sustaining families and entire communities.

In Bridge the Gap, author and CEO Michael Rodenberg reveals how leaders can restore broken companies by addressing foundational issues that many executives overlook. In this book, business leaders will learn how to:

• assess the current reality of the company, even when it means facing "the brutal truth"
• identify and focus resources on the "mission critical" aspects of a business
• restore health to the business culture and workplace relationships
• think carefully about the long-term personnel and system needs of a company
• engage meaningfully with the local community where the business is headquartered
• unleash employees and managers to contribute in meaningful ways while maintaining unity around the corporate vision and values

Bridge the Gap is not theoretical; rather, Rodenberg shares the story of how he and his team revitalized a multinational tier one automotive manufacturing company. Although his business had a long and vibrant history that originated in Japan, Rodenberg was hired by the parent company to help the US division become profitable. He, along with his team, successfully restored the business, as demonstrated by its profits and its prominent industry awards.

This book is for leaders of small or large companies. It will enable leaders to instill new energy and health to failing companies, and it will help leaders with strong companies to improve and grow.