There is anecdotal evidence of CEOs forming close bonds with their chief spin doctors. However, although 89% of 114 communications leaders questioned in a new survey said they readily had access to their CEO, only 52% reported to them directly.
In fact, in a speaking engagement last year, former GE chief Jack Welch described the interaction as an important one, built on truth and trust. “The CEO and the CCO have a unique relationship,” Welch told a gathering of the peer group Arthur W. Page Society.
But it appears not all CEOs get so chummy with their CCOs. In new research commissioned by Chicago-based public relations firm APCO Worldwide, just a third of respondents viewed communications budgets as being tighter compared to other departments, or more likely to experience cuts. And only about a quarter of respondents felt their opinions always mattered when business-critical decisions were being made.
“There’s been huge movement in the increased importance of communications to the C-suite in the last 25 years,” APCO managing director Tina-Marie Adams said.
“But there’s still a huge gap to fill when the majority of CCOs neither consider themselves to be a key business advisor nor always feel their opinion matters on business-critical topics.”
CCOs are taking an increasingly important role in defining a company’s character, including its values, mission, culture and actions, according to American Airlines corporate communications head Elise Eberwein. And, as she wrote in Chief Executive in September, they can be particularly helpful in protecting a CEO’s legacy during leadership transitions.
“To put it simply, the CCO is charged with protecting the reputation and legacy of the outgoing CEO, while ensuring acceptance of the new one,” Eberwein said.
It could be time for CEOs to lend more of their ear.
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.
