5
First Time CEO Has its Own Network
0 Comments | Posted by crockbiz in Boards, Business, Consulting, Executive Coaching, Leadership, Management
First Time CEO is on Ning.
Ning is a social networking platform created by the founder of Netscape. Users can create their own social networks and contribute to others.
Go here and start your own conversation with other first time CEO’s and others interested in the senior leadership, management and company performance areas.
Some conversations I’d personally love to see.
- what makes a great CEO
- how to interact with the Board of Directors
- how you know when it’s time to move on, step down
- compensation for CEO’s
- how to craft a great vision and mission
- how to go from vision and mission to execution
- and lot’s more.
As a new CEO you might be wondering how to take advantage of Facebook, Twitter and so many other social media tools. The best thing you can do is not think of these tools as a broadcast medium. Here is a link to a post that does a better job of explaining Social Engagement Optimization.
22
You’re not a Leader
0 Comments | Posted by crockbiz in Boards, Business, Consulting, Executive Coaching, Leadership, Management
They can give you every title in the book – CEO, COO, CFO, Chief Cook and Bottle Washer – it DOESN’T MATTER. If the people you’re supposed to be leading think you’re a dick – you’re not they’re leader.
You’re their whipping boy.
You see, this isn’t about you.
This is about them.
This is about them trusting you. Them respecting you. Them looking up to you.
This is about them feeling like you listen. Them feeling like you care. Them feeling like you think they are capable. And smart.
Important.
And human.
This is about them thinking you are good at your job. Them seeing you take your role as seriously as they take theirs. Them knowing you care about the organization.
So.
Dude!
You need to change.
Stop being so f’ing smart.
Start learning. Start listening.
Start being nice.
Go for a beer. A lunch. Grab a coffee.
Ask about the kids. The gym. The vacation.
And start doing your job. Otherwise. You’re not their leader.
1
Effective Planning
0 Comments | Posted by crockbiz in Boards, Business, Consulting, Executive Coaching, Leadership, Management
Jim Crocker, CEO of Boardroom Metrics has posted a YouTube video on tips for running an effective planning process.
Having watched many clients waste time and resources on planning that goes nowhere, Crocker’s tips are (once again) simple:
- start early – planning for 2009 in February is a little late!
- make planning a priority – there will always be more important things to focus on for the company that isn’t really committed to planning
- planning is lead by senior management – the CEO in particular should have a clear perspective on what needs to be accomplished in the upcoming year and the key strategies for getting there – engaging the rest of the organization in the process is important but simply tossing planning to others in the organization never works
- planning and budgeting are inextricably linked – which sounds obvious but gets overlooked – budgets should reflect the allocation of resources necessary to execute the planning priorities – if they don’t, then the plan priorities are just imaginary ideas for making something happen
- follow-up to make sure the plan is working – too many organizations spend resources on planning then NEVER revisit the plan to measure accomplishments or check direction – which makes planning pretty much a complete waste of time
For people and organizations used to organized, well run planning processes, Crocker’s tips must seem overly simplistic. Unfortunately, they reflect reality – based on Crocker’s experience more companies fail at effective planning than succeed – usually because the simple approach required to execute properly is overlooked.
The video is posted here.
The Boardroom Metrics blog is here.
Another video by Jim Crocker of Boardroom Metrics on YouTube. This one titled CEO Tips for Managing in Tough Times.
Crocker has picked up on a theme that is everywhere right now. His spin is to simplify by focusing on four key things:
- core business
- core customers
- core suppliers
- core employees
He also points out that focus isn’t just a best practice for managing a business in tough times, it’s a best practice all the time.
