One recent episode involving a big-company CEO illustrated that tired patterns of sexism can still predominate in the corner office. Johnson Controls fired a long-time consultant to the company, a psychologist, after CEO Alex Molinaroli admitted to an affair with her—but the board took no action against him after determining that “no conflicts of interest occurred,” according to a statement. The giant auto-parts producer and climate-controls company did increase oversight, however, by elevating its CFO, Bruce McDonald, to vice chairman. The move, which may have had multiple reasons behind it, nonetheless serves as an implicit maneuver by the board to ensure that this type of situation—which may negatively affect the brand—does not happen again.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella kicked off a mini-controversy recently by urging women to count on corporate pay equity to give them “the right raises” as they go along, though he later noted that he supports efforts to boost the number and roles of women in technology. Later he rallied to explain further his comments, and while exonerating his thinking, Nadella’s elaboration underscored how CEOs can suffer from blind spots on issues of gender sensitivity.
Nadella has noted in recent days, post-gaffe, that for the same title, women and men at Microsoft are within “a tight band of 0.5 percent” in pay disparity. But he conceded that “the question of velocity of promotions, of whether there are enough women and minorities in senior ranks,” is current at the company. And while women represent 29% of Microsoft’s 100,000 or so employees, only 17% of engineers are women.
Nadella also elaborated on why he said at an event on October 9 that women at Microsoft shouldn’t ask for raises “because that’s good karma” and to let the system take care of them. “I answered by my own experience of how I managed my career,” he told USA Today.
No matter how experienced, CEOs are human, and will make verbal mistakes. The key is to always be sure about your response, and confident you can back up your statements. Public apologies in certain situations can help CEOs to improve their reputation after a gaffe, but adding sensitivity training to leadership development programs might save some CEOs from regretful moments altogether.
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.
