Leadership Kudos and Gaffes: Leader of a Model American Company

Leadership Kudos this week go to Caterpillar and its CEO Doug Oberhelman. Caterpillar is rapidly becoming a role model American company, showing how American companies can compete globally. With its Midwest roots and values, heavy manufacturing in the U.S. and steady long-term investments, CAT has become a global leader in its field, with large exports to Asia, Europe and the rest of the world. In its most recent quarter CAT’s global revenues were up 37% and its earnings up 44%, as the company has added 6,000 American workers. More companies should follow CAT’s lead.

Leadership Gaffes go to Republican Tea Party and Democratic liberal Congressmen for blocking deals negotiated by President Obama and Speaker Boehner to solve the articifically-created debt ceiling crisis. These politicians continue to put the country at risk as they maneuver for selfish political advantage.