Apple’s Tim Cook is the most recognizable among a group of high-profile LGBT CEOs that includes Lloyds of London’s Inga Beale, Burberry’s Christopher Baily, United Therapeutics’ Martine Rothblatt and Qantas Airways’ Alan Joyce.
To be sure, coming out still carries risks. Like racism, homophobia is still rife in many parts of even the most advanced economies.
And some rules still exist in countries such as the U.S. that allow employers to dismiss staff on the basis of their sexuality.
But there’s risks to staying inside the closet, too, according to J.D. Schramm, a lecturer in organizational behavior at the Stanford Business School.
He splits a leader’s approach into four quadrants, with ‘provocative’ and ‘genuine’ in the top left and right spots, respectively, and ‘compartmentalized’ and ‘discrete’ in the bottom left and right spots.
In this context, LGBT leaders can choose to be artificial or authentic about their stories. One individual, for instance, may compartmentalize by coming out to friends but being private at work. Another might behave provocatively but lack authenticity, much like the great entertainer Liberace.
“You can lead from any box,” Schramm told the college’s business blog. “But you can lead stronger if you lead out loud, which means leading from the top right quadrant.”
Schramm said that doesn’t mean all managers necessarily have to come out to succeed. Revealing one’s sexual identity can be a long process that’s ultimately a deeply personal decision.
“I think it’s best, but it’s not my decision to make for others,” Schramm said.
And some places still aren’t particularly safe for LGBT people to work.
“Some parts of the country or industries might not be as welcoming as others, and you should weigh this in your decision,” Schramm suggests.
He also recommends that executives consider sharing their stories with a group of close colleagues first, or revealing their sexual identity in a more indirect way, such as bringing a significant other to a work function or mentioning former partners in casual conversation.
“The odds are still stacked against the community. But as gay leaders take control of their own stories, the climate has steadily improved,” Schramm said.
A list of 100 leading LGBT executive can be found here.
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.
