Speakers at executive forum emphasize attitude

America's businesses look to hire people with positive attitudes, two successful business executives told students at Southeast Missouri State University on Friday.

"I would much rather have attitude over experience every day," said Nancy Garvey, vice president and general manager of the Kansas and Missouri region of Cingular Wireless.

"The work world is filled with obstacles," she said. "You've got to have passion for the business."

Gary Downing, chief executive officer of Lansinoh Laboratories Inc., agreed.

"I want people who think outside the box," he said. "I am also looking for a person who is very confident in his point of view."

Both Downing of Fairfield, Conn., and Garvey of St. Louis said successful business operations require teamwork on the part of management and staff.

Downing and Garvey answered questions about their business careers during an executive forum at noon in Dempster Hall's Glenn Auditorium as part of the university's homecoming celebration. Rex Rust, co-president of Rust Communications, served as moderator.

About 100 people, mostly students, attended the forum.

Downing, a 1972 graduate of Southeast, received an Alumni Merit Award from the institution Friday night.

Garvey and Downing said company executives must have tangible goals and make those goals clear to employees.

Downing said business executives need to do more than sell their employees on business goals. "You need to learn how to listen," he said.

Garvey said she got into marketing after discovering as a student at Fontbonne College in St. Louis that she didn't want a career in accounting.

Downing first became acquainted with the business world, he said, while a student at Southeast when he recruited business executives to talk to students at the school.

Both Downing and Garvey said they work long hours, but still try to balance their business and personal lives.

Downing said his job as CEO of Lansinoh Laboratories does come with some perks.

He works at home in Connecticut on Monday and Friday. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday he spends at his office in Washington, D.C.

Garvey said employees can learn from their bosses as they move up the corporate ladder, even if it's learning what not to do when they end up in those management positions.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

"You will get some good bosses, but you will get a lot of bad ones," she said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123