2011 has been a year of pessimism for Chief Executive’s CEO Confidence Index. January started off on a fairly good foot, but business conditions took a steady fall throughout the year. February brought the most optimistic outlook on the future of business conditions, with a score of 6.39 out of 10. CEO outlook cooled as the year progressed and September and October tied for a 2011 low of 4.88.
December’s index rebounded to the highest score since May, a 5.48 out of 10 and is up 4.9% from November’s 5.23.
A couple of things that happened in November that helped boost CEO confidence:
CEOs are still concerned about the uncertainty in the economic climate. As one CEO told Chief Executive, “Next year is a puzzle. Even though our backlog is good and our customers seem to be doing well, the uncertainty created by the incompetence in Washington is preventing a true rebound of the economy.” This sentiment was confirmed by another CEO: “Uncertainty due to ineffective political process is holding back pent-up demand. Decision makers are just not comfortable betting the farm when our political leaders cannot come to grasp with basic fiscal responsibilities.”
To put it succinctly, “Uncertainty is the watch word. There are too many ‘known unknowns’ to be confident about future business and growth.”
Let’s hope the New Year will bring better business conditions (despite a probable chaotic election year environment).
CEO Confidence Index — December 2011
Respondents: 323
| November 2011 | December 2011 | Monthly Change | |
| CEO Confidence Index | 5.23 | 5.48 | 4.9% |
What do expect overall business conditions to be like one year from now on a 1 -10 scale? (10 = Excellent)
What is your assessment of current overall business conditions on a 1-10 scale? (10 = Excellent)
Over the next 12 months, what changes do you forecast for your firm compared to the past 12 months?
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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.
