1. There’s no grace period or training period. Expect to hit the ground running on your first day. In a Wall Street Journal article, Cosi CEO RJ Dourney says he was put under the microscope by a shareholder not five minutes after receiving his title. He thought he would have a few months “under the radar” to get used to the position. Instead, he had to hit the ground running.
2. Lead, don’t do. Something George Bradt, founder of executive onboarding group PrimeGenesis wrote in a Forbes article really resonated with me. He said that, “Long-standing CEOs realize that the less they do themselves, the more they will be able to inspire and enable others.”
3. Nurture, cultivate and manage simultaneously. Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, told The Washington Journal that “Good leadership is about encouraging people to do their best while also bringing them into alignment with collective goals.”
4. Focus first on listening. In a Strategy& Q&A with 18 chief executives, Chip Bergh, president and CEO of Levi Strauss, says he spent the first month listening. “I came up with a set of standard questions: What three things must we preserve? What three things must we change? What do you most hope I will do? What are you most concerned I might do?” and What advice do you have for me?” He sent the questions to every board member and to the top 65 people in his company.
5. Keep everything in perspective. Michael Hyatt, the former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, says he is often asked, “Knowing what you know, what advice would you give to a new CEO? In his response, he offers “seven truths” which I think are helpful:
6. Maintain your holistic health. The most common point given by other CEOs is to “stay healthy.” Your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health are all paramount to your ability to do your job well. Find time for relaxation, family, fun and personal growth, and you will be ready to take on any job challenge.
Finally, Wall Street Journal reporter Joann S. Lublin, who interviewed Cosi’s Dourney, says that “novice CEOs also find it hard to be bossed by a team—the board of directors—rather than a single supervisor.” So beware of that transition and that it may take some time to get used to.
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.
