How can CEOs do this in a way that makes sense for their organization? In his recent article “Accelerate!”, Harvard Business School professor and leadership guru John Kotter makes the case for developing two parallel structures in the company that operate in concert with each other. The traditional hierarchy operates on one side, and ensures that day-to-day work gets done in the most efficient manner possible. This structure is well-suited for execution, and is a go-to for carrying out a new business plan.
On the other side, companies that embed innovation within the culture develop a network of employees who are empowered to search for innovative solutions to existing challenges and to offer new ideas. The employees in this network are organized into “guiding coalitions” made up of volunteers from all levels and areas of the organization, thus giving the team the opportunity to flex their creative muscles, attack challenges from all directions and develop the leadership skills necessary to keep the organization nimble in the wake of senior leadership turnover. The guiding coalition is where innovation is nurtured, and breaks down the barriers inherent—and necessary—in a hierarchy. By virtue of being a group of willing volunteers with diverse perspectives, this structure maintains the urgency and enthusiasm necessary to foster organizational agility.
With both the hierarchy and the guiding coalition working side-by-side, a company develops a transformative, repeatable process that allows it to adapt quickly to a changing world and stay ahead of the curve. Most importantly, it ensures that a company’s success is no longer tied to a single person; rather, it is now embedded in the DNA of the company through a new way of operating.
So, as a CEO prepares to depart his organization, he should be asking himself more than “Did I prepare my successor well?” He also needs to be asking, “Have I left my organization a more agile, innovative place?” If the answer is yes, he has embedded success for generations to come.
Randy Ottinger has spent more than 20 years as a high tech executive for companies including IBM, McCaw Cellular (Claircom), and Captaris. He also served as SVP for Bank of America. Before joining Kotter International, Ottinger founded LMR Advisors, which provides business and leadership advisory services to legacy business leaders. He is the author of Beyond Success: Building a Personal, Financial and Philanthropic Legacy (McGraw Hill in 2008), and has written numerous papers and articles on leadership, strategy acceleration, family wealth, and social enterprise.
Read: https://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/legacy-and-succession
Read: https://visionroom.com/tag/randy-ottinger/
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.
