When times are tough, people and businesses act badly. But we can insulate ourselves from bad behavior by being essential. People and companies in collaborative agreements where there is mutual dependence will act kindly toward each other. But don’t EVER let the balance slip.
Why do businesses, or projects, or business leaders get stuck from time to time? Much of my consulting practice seems to center around this issue. I’ve identified five reasons why companies get stuck in the first place.
CEOs must manage energy flows carefully to protect themselves and their companies against power surges that could blow their circuits. Circuit breakers blow for a reason – there’s something wrong or they wouldn’t have blown. But instead of sitting in the dark as the circuit blows, it’s better to be standing in front of the power panel.
There’s plenty for CEOs to worry about, but panic won’t help you or your employees. You may not be able to “fix” all the weakness in your ecosystem, but you most certainly can create backup plans and contingency plans that will mitigate the damage.
Being on the right course is one of those things that can keep us CEOs awake at night. But unplugging every now and then can focus our minds on what aspects of what we do really make the biggest difference for the people around us.
In both my own company and several client companies, we’ve discussed, then written out a code of conduct to help set expectations about how we should treat each other. Some companies, especially young ones can be rough places to work. Letting the “roughnecks” run free will destroy the willingness of many other talented people to contribute at all, and many will leave.
CEO Jodi Andrews and her co-founder and President Inger Arum of ProTrials got a great offer from a big client, enough to make any business owner happy. They turned down the opportunity. Not all that glitters is gold, and some factors that override financial success.
We are taught as children that persistence is good. Many wonderful things in life take an enormous, sustained effort. But when does walking away actually indicate wisdom, rather than a lack of fortitude? Other paths and new opportunities do exist.
E-mail is easy, but it can be a blessing or a curse. Sometimes relying on the quick fix of email is a mistake. Here are the common abuses and the communication alternatives that can serve you better.
CEOs sometimes suffer from insomnia, worrying about the future of their companies. As the bus rolls along, are some of the wheels coming loose? While you’re lying awake at night, ask yourself these key questions.
Robert Sher is founding principal of CEO to CEO, a consulting firm of former chief executives that improves the leadership infrastructure of midsized companies seeking to accelerate their performance. He was chief executive of Bentley Publishing Group from 1984 to 2006 and steered the firm to become a leading player in its industry (decorative art publishing).