CAT | Business
Here’s a good post that isn’t necessarily about being a first time CEO – but it could apply.
It’s about getting it right as the CEO – the first time. Because with more pressure on performance, there may not be a second time.
Here are the four tips for a CEO to get it right the first time:
First, “do only what the CEO can do”. I couldn’t agree more. CEO’s can’t and shouldn’t do it all – though many try – a classic first time CEO mistake. The job of the CEO is to lead, not do.
Second, treat your Board of Directors as a strategic partner. I like the advice here – remember how you would like to be treated by one of your divisions or business units. There is a level of engagement that you will want and feel comfortable with. Less than that level and who knows what your discomfort might lead to. Same for your Board of Directors.
Third, “align the culture behind a clear business strategy”. Huh?? I wasn’t sure what that meant either. Here’s the key point – vision and mission are nice but tapping informal interactions and networks is vital to rapid, lasting change and organizational buy-in.
Fourth, set the pace for change. Sign me up 100% for this one. If the CEO is dogging it, don’t look for rapid movement elsewhere in the organization. There is a balance though, between moving too fast, making mistakes and creating setbacks vs. moving too slowly and creating complacency. The CEO needs to get it right.
Bottom line from the post – the CEO needs to be strategic and a team player. Strategic because with so many pressures, defining direction and priorities isn’t straightforward. Team player because no one can do it themselves.
Good advice for the first time CEO or the CEO who needs to get it right the first time.
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People Buy What You Believe
0 Comments | Posted by crockbiz in Business, Executive Coaching, Leadership, Management
People buy what you believe, not what you do.
That’s the essence of a thought-provoking book by Simon Sinek called ‘Start with Why’.
You can skip reading the book by watching this TedTalk by Sinek here.
Inspired by the book, Jim Crocker of Boardroom Metrics posted a video highlighting the ‘why’ and ‘what I believe’ of Boardroom Metrics here.
At the beginning of June, Jim Crocker, CEO of Boardroom Metrics announced that the company had expanded it’s services offering to CEO’s in several ways.
First, geographically. Boardroom Metrics expanded it’s services to Ottawa and Montreal with staff physically located in these markets.
Second, the Company is providing advisory expertise in two new areas: employee health and wellness, and corporate learning and training. Crocker believes that companies who recognize how employee health and wellness and corporate learning are linked to performance can achieve a significant competitive advantage. According to Crocker, “the only sustainable competitive advantage is people”.
Third, the Company has expanded its tools offering to include the Chairmans View System. Crocker was attracted to Chairman’s View because it helps CEO owners differentiate and focus on the two key elements of their role: being the owner first, and being the CEO second. According to Crocker based on almost every company he’s worked with – “the owner CEO frequently gets hung up in the day to day and stops thinking like an owner. As a result, too many private businesses owners fail to create sustainable, transferable business value. Unfortunately, the numbers show that when the majority of private businesses are put up for sale, most DO NOT succeed. Chairman’s View helps CEO owners avoid that mistake”.
Fourth, Boardroom Metrics has significantly upgraded it’s interim management practice. Now called ‘Accomplished Executives’, Boardroom Metrics now sources and places proven senior, experienced executives, consultants and professional Chairman. The service compliments Boardroom Metrics tools and advisory services as well as standing on it’s own for companies seeking proven talent for any role.
Finally, Boardroom Metrics has launched a new website here. The site highlights the Company’s new services as well as incorporating social media and other tools for clients and senior executives to dialogue with the Boardroom Metrics.
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.
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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.
