Sharer shares on management style at Amgen

Kevin Sharer (photo [1]) has had his ups and downs as CEO of Amgen. And in a wide ranging conversation with the New York Times on his management style, Sharer discussed some of what he's learned in his 10 years at the helm of the biotech giant.

For a science-based operation, he told the newspaper, social data is important. And when he stepped into the top post in 1999, Sharer went to some pains to gather the data he needed to run the company, setting up hour-long discussions with the top 150 staffers at Amgen.

Here's what he asked:

"What are the three things you'd like to make sure that we keep? What three things would you like to change? What is it that you would like me to do? What is it you're afraid I'm going to do? And then, finally: Is there anything else you want to talk about?"

Maybe they were too blunt. Later in the conversation, Sharer also mentions that he replaced virtually his entire top team within a year. Here's what he told them:

"You know, we're new, we're together, we all feel lucky to be here, but let me tell you something. I've operated in environments where there were master politicians. I'm not a bad politician myself. And so I can see it. And if any of you try to be politicians, I will know it, and I will fire you."

Under the circumstances, the message probably stuck.

- read the full interview [2] at the New York Times

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