The CEO Confidence Index, Chief Executive’s monthly gauge of CEOs’ perceptions of overall business conditions, has leveled out after a long year of decline. Confidence in overall business conditions remained at a low 4.88 out of a possible 10. This has been a 23.6 percent drop since the Index’s 2011 high of 6.39 in February. Fewer than 31 percent of chief executives expect business conditions to be at least ‘good’ over the next year.
Businesses’ main indicators of health remain similarly pessimistic to the attitudes of recent months. Almost half of all CEOs expect not to hire over the next year, but only 19 percent of CEOs expect to downsize their workforce.
These business leaders do, however, expect to see some growth in a few key areas: 54 percent expect an increase in revenue, 41 percent expect an increase in capital expenditures, 46 percent expect an increase in profits and 32 percent expect to expand their workforce.
CEO sentiment remains frustrated with government regulations and policies. One CEO said, “Stop punishing and demonizing capital investors, and they will invest capital. This will create companies and jobs. It is not rocket science. In a hostile environment, people lock down and hold onto their money for the uncertainty that lies ahead.”
One CEO sees a strong conflict between an economic recovery and election year politics, “I see conflict between the recovery of the economy and the positioning for the upcoming election. Although it’s a shame that it happens, I see the parties sacrificing the good of the economy to achieve gains in the election. I’d prefer the few statesmen in congress and in party leaders take the higher road in helping people put their lives back together.”
CEO Confidence Index — October 2011
Respondents: 247
| September 2011 | October 2011 | Monthly Change | |
| CEO Confidence Index | 4.88 | 4.88 | 0% |
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.
