Whether we (or they) like it or not, CEOs wield enormous power over the quality of today's workplace. Things they say and do set the tone of their organizations, defining the corporate culture and influencing the day-to-day actions of every employee. I remember a survey years ago showed that 50 per cent of an organization's reputation is directly tied to the CEO, and I believe that holds true externally as well as internally.
That's why sometimes we hate CEOs so much, and sometimes we love them so much.
If you could tell the CEO of a large organization one thing about what he or she should do to improve communication with employees, what would it be?
I'm writing something a little essay on this and I'd appreciate any thoughts you have, whether they be bits of advice, stray observations, pet peeves or festering wounds.
Invent the iPhone.
Then give one to each of the employees.
Posted by: Fake Rick | October 17, 2007 at 10:34 PM
The best way "he" can improve communication with his staff is to improve communication with his direct reports. The style he models with his directors is the strongest influence he can exert. He sets the tone for all.
"What you do is so loud I can't hear what you say".
best of luck!
Posted by: Mark | October 18, 2007 at 01:24 AM
Ron:
I would tell him or her this:
Your employees can handle bad news. They can handle reality. They live with it every day.
So when bad news gets bottled up at the top level, or spun beyond recognition, everyone---but mostly the CEO---loses credibility. And then employees aren't willing to believe the good news . .. even when it really IS good news.
Employees can handle any amount of bad news if they have the proper context. What they can't handle is a vaccuum of information, or propaganda.
Steve C.
Posted by: steve Crescenzo | October 19, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Be a real person. Don't be an executive that uses corporate-speak. People will respond to you (and probably like you) more if you show them who you are.
Share personal examples. Acknowledge stuff. Make yourself seem accessible even if your calendar is booked so far in advance you'll never be able to meet with employees, although you might be able to meet with their future children.
Leadership is about being a person and communication is about being a person, so if you can be a person you'll do better on both counts.
Posted by: Robin | October 22, 2007 at 12:24 PM
Mark, Steve, Robin: Thanks so much for helping me out with your thoughtful comments!
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | October 22, 2007 at 05:08 PM
One more? If I could say one thing to the CEO it would be:
Don't make the mistake of believing that the employees don't know, and/or don't care about the realities of your business. Yes, there will always be employees who just want to do their work, collect their pay, and go home.
However, there are just as many, if not more employees who truly want to help their business succeed. Act, talk and share information as though you believe all the employees are in the second group, and you'll be surprised how many of them will rise to that challenge and be with you to get things done.
Posted by: Kristen | October 22, 2007 at 06:32 PM
Nice. Thanks, Kristen.
Posted by: Ron Shewchuk | October 22, 2007 at 10:40 PM