LEADERSHIP: 7 STEPS TO HELP CEOs GENERATE CORPORATE ENERGY
executive signaling
Once the contract was signed, projects would typically be delegated to a VP. CEOs would then wash their hands of responsibility—often under the misguided assumption that involvement might appear as meddling. In management terms they were right, but from an inspirational leadership perspective they were dead wrong.
At the time, author Tom Peter’s advocacy of Management by Wandering Around was a new “silver bullet”. CEOs were encouraged to pop-in unannounced and engage employees in small talk about the work they were doing. In hindsight, MBWA’s honorable intentions proved less than productive. Time was wasted and the management team’s legs were frequently cut out from under them. There is a better way.
CEOs should be “stage managed” by direct reports to show up in the right place, at the right time, with the right message. Their job is to generate energy, not to solve problems, or discuss operating issues. Corporate energy is generated by signaling how specific events or a group’s performance is or will contribute to corporate values or its vision.
This can be accomplished by presenting a few choice words then leaving quickly—perhaps with a classic “thumbs up” sign. The event and words should be selected by managers close to the project or person being recognized. Don’t offer to answer questions unless the senior manager is capable and prepared.
Stage managing senior managers with this one page briefing paper:
- What or who is involved ?
- Why is it special?
- How does it tie directly to the organization’s cultural-values or shared vision?
- What should be mentioned? (remember to include employee wiifms)
- What issues might surface?
- What should be avoided?
- What support has been made available to help assure success?