As CEO you take pride in your leadership prowess at managing critical issues. Your skills have favorably impacted the future of your business. Now imagine applying your talent to resolve broader, tougher issues – those faced by your state.
Envision collaborating with other executives and government officials to resolve statewide issues. Would this process be healthy for your state’s business climate and the future of your company? Would it be challenging, rewarding and worth your time? There’s a group of executives in Washington State that think so. This article outlines how their efforts have already begun making a difference.
Most people complain about issues instead of being part of the solution. David Giuliani, CEO of Clarisonic, decided it was time to change the “complain game.” He promoted the idea of executives taking responsibility for ensuring a better future by collaboratively applying sound business principles to help manage public issues. Giuliani teamed up with Howard Behar, former president of Starbucks, who shared his passion for taking responsibility to improve outcomes. Together, they co-founded the Washington Business Alliance (www.WaBusinessAlliance.org) and began engaging other businesses in their quest. Less than a year old, the Alliance has a diverse membership of close to 100 businesses across the state that is working toward a better future.
They began with a vision for Washington where businesses thrive and residents enjoy a high quality of life. This led members to adopt a bold mission: To help resolve the state’s most critical issues. Top priorities focused on education, health, transportation, environment and fiscal governance. Values were established to guide all Alliance initiatives, to include understanding, collaboration, innovation, advocacy and achievement.
Committees were formed to study critical issues by engaging with other members and subject-matter experts. Mutual objectives were established to understand the cause-and-effect of issues by gathering relevant facts, listening to diverse viewpoints, and evaluating best practices. Committee members routinely collaborate with government officials, university professors, other non-profit organizations, and business leaders to gather information. Before solutions are attempted, goals and criteria are established to guide evaluation of alternative strategies.
The Business Alliance long-term goal is for Washington to be viewed as the best state to do business by 2020, as measured by specific metrics. Some of these metrics will come from surveys conducted by www.ChiefExecutive.net. Additional metrics are being used in establishing similarly ambitious goals for goals for education, health, transportation and environment.
The Business Alliance has already evidenced success by developing an effective working relationship with government officials and other business organizations to guide their state’s policies and achieve better outcomes. They have:
Developing a long-term strategic plan for the state will include extensive research. Reliable information from the business community and general public will be needed in order to formulate the top goals of the state. With such goals in place, the government will be in a better position to select appropriate strategies and to report progress annually.
The tougher the issues become in our economy, the easier the temptation to point fingers. As a business leader, you know this approach doesn’t solve problems. Instead, use collaboration as the way toward improved outcomes. Ask yourself what you and a team of executives can do for your state, region or local community. Then, begin taking responsibility. Securing a better future begins with you.
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.
