John Chambers and Myron Ullman, CEOs of Intel and JCPenney, raised eyebrows recently by co-writing a Wall Street Journal op-ed piece in which they called for Congress to approve legislation that would “break the business model” of “patent-assertion firms,” otherwise known as patent trolls, which collectively cost the two companies more than one-third of a billion dollars in legal expenses over the last five years.
Wal-Mart’s high-profile move to raise its minimum wage was aimed at least in part at boosting its reputation among certain constituencies. But what ever the motive, the action now looks like it may have been inevitable given other rising market forces at work. It’s also apparent that Wal-Mart’s maneuver may have set in motion a trend that could affect just about any company with hourly employees.
Not many companies have had as much tumult lately as Sprint, which, in February, took a $1.9-billion quarterly write-off because of the reduced value of its trade name. The company’s stock price is down by more than 50%, from a high of $9.74 in June, 2014 to $4.28 on February 26, 2015, but the sale price has somewhat stabilized over the last 30 days.
You’ve had a great career and you have a wealth of knowledge and experience. But while you’re stepping down as CEO, you’re not ready to step down from leadership. What’s the best way for you to continue to challenge yourself while giving others the benefit of your expertise?
The CEO Confidence Index, Chief Executive‘s monthly gauge of CEOs’ expectations for business conditions over the next 12 months, shrank 3.9% in February, putting confidence back at December levels, landing at 6.45 out of a possible 10, compared to 6.71 for January. However, when compared against the same year-ago period, confidence is up nearly 10%.
Power is a word that is often spoken synonymously with the office of CEO—for better or for worse. By dictionary definition, power is “the ability to act or produce an effect.” Simple enough. Yet, when it comes to how power plays out in leadership positions, understanding the dynamics can mean the difference between leading effectively and falling flat.
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.
