Just as we all listen closely to the Fed Chairman’s updates both for what is obvious and what isn’t, audiences ranging from analysts and shareholders to employees and community leaders hang on to the words of CEOs, watching for hints about a company’s direction and its implications.
Boeing CEO James McNerney, the latest to misfire, likely became overly comfortable with his audience of Wall Street analysts when he responded to a question concerning his plans for retirement with, “The heart will still be beating, the employees will still be cowering (laughing). I’ll be working hard; there’s no end in sight.”
Flubs like this, and similar ones from Guido Barilla of the Barilla pasta brand and Dennis “Chip” Wilson, founder of Lululemon, show how common it is for senior leaders to forget their mission: To inspire confidence and excitement about their brand, vision and strategy.
Here are four communication tips to help CEOs build reputational and credibility equity:
1. Be very clear about why you are communicating. What specifically do you want your audience to know or do? And to draw on the ubiquitous WIFM (what’s in it for me) rule, why should they care?
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
