TIAA CEO Duckett: What a coward!
In lieu of the recent announcement that TIAA will be closing down its Denver Operations Center; as long time Denver employees we felt the need to express our feelings in regards to the blatant lack of leadership and respect shown by current CEO Thasunda Duckett.
We understand that c-suite business leaders of her stature need to make difficult decisions on a daily basis. We also understand that these decisions can at times be extremely unpopular with employees; particularly when it comes to cost savings measures - which is what this move is all about - don’t be fooled by any other rationale provided or scripted.
Again, as unfortunate as it is for us in Denver we understand business decisions of this magnitude . However, what we can’t understand is the personal lack of leadership and respect by “Duckett” to not deliver the message herself. Whether it be in person; telephone; video; even pre-recorded video! At least that would have shown a level of leadership and compassion that the Denver employee base so richly deserves. We wonder what conflict she had on her schedule to prevent this? Was it vacation at Oprah’s? Or maybe she was galavanting across the globe in Paris for the Olympics? Either way, we deserved more! She should (but won’t) feel ashamed!
Our prior CEO Roger Ferguson Jr. may have made the very same business decision. However, the stark contrast between Mr. Ferguson and “Duckett” would have been based on the “How?” the message was delivered. Aren’t we big on the “How?” here at TIAA? Mr. Ferguson would have delivered the message himself and not hid behind a Chief People Officer; and what exactly is a Chief People Officer?
Here in Denver we have had a strong group of effective leaders at various levels over the years! Edward Van Dolsen, Gary Mauger, Gerard Love, just to name a few. These leaders not only had a superior level of IQ; they mastered the skill of EQ as well! “Duckett” could stand to learn a thing or two from any of them!