head off

[unpakwon]

Could you please explain the following in bold in easy English?

1. When I returned to P&G as chairman in June 2002, I quickly saw that the conviction that the people of P&G are truly its heart needed restoration. And sadly, I knew that I might have headed off these issues if I had exercised my responsibility to press my case more fully on Organization 2005.

2. Key attributes of a leader---believes deeply and passionately in the purpose of the organization. A huge appetite to win. The team comes first. "One Team, One Dream."

Thank you.

 

[Clare James]

1. To head off an issue
This is a footballing metaphor. It's used to mean you deal with an issue quickly and efficiently to prevent any problems in the future.

2. to press your case
This is originally an idiom from legal English. In this context it means to express your opinion forcibly so that other people take notice.

3. One team, one dream
A slogan, whose words are chosen because they sound good. Meaning that everybody who works on this project or in this organisation has the same aims and aspirations as each other. ( A rather optimistic statement from a large multinational company!)

Hope this is useful to you.

 

[unpakwon]

It's been very helpful.

Thank you. :-D