Most of the CEOs got to be one on merit of all the small successes along the way.
Outside the facade of being 'nice' many are slithering snakes. Power corrupts. Being humans many find power and the pressure difficult to handle.
They are talented and get things done but generally do not command the true respect of their wards due to their evident personal weaknesses.
The few who truly succeed are those who have innate people skills along with all other talents, and are naturally nice and respected without the strain of false effort.
Trevors10:15AM June 08, 2010
I don't think CEOs need to be nice but they need to know how to command respect! I guess it all depends on which organisations we are talking about! The market pressure shapes the organisation, decides the kind of CEO and inevitably the culture in the Company. I have been working with so many different type of companies with CEOs of different characteristics. But the sad part is that a lot of them neither comprehend nor constantly remind themselves on the amount of influence they have over ther shaping of the culture of the organisations. How they allow characters of "big bully" nature to dominate top management positions. How these top management carry themselves in the workplace, the way they write emails (the lack of humanity and humility) and the way they seek to protect their own interest (trying means and ways to override procedures for their own convenience, sacrificing people below to cover their mistakes etc..). What is the message that these so called top management sent to people below? How long have I not met a leader whom is worth my due respect! In the last ten years, there is only one who bothers to ask a low level staff met along the corridor on how's your day? Any feedback to make? If there are any CEOs looking at this article, please take a minute to reflect on how you have shaped your organisation's culture and the character (not just capability) of people you have put on top to be your able assistants! Start making a difference in other people's life with the power in hand.
SY1:16AM June 08, 2010
Some of the opinions seem to have stepped outside the context in which the writer was drawing reference. The writer was talking about e-mail etiquette. To which I agree. Nothing more, nothing less. Let's keep our angst in check shall we?
The pure and simple fact, CEO and top honchos are where they are for two reasons; being real good at what they do (leading others, being visionary, inspirational etc) and being fortunate to be at the right place at the right time.
Naren10:38PM June 07, 2010
CEO is appointed/selected based on merit. They are the best of the bests. Not because they are nice. Normally, he/she has gone through a series of interview and selection processess by Head Hunter, selection panel, board of directors and chairman.
They are the results producer, motivator, strategic, team player, good cummunicator and good leader. Often smile and couteous are in their culture.
CEOs simply are the best of the bests, not because they are nice. Of course, luck and opportunity are some of the factors but alway in favour of them. Also, they may not be the smarter but they got the job done.
Ex CEO10:16PM June 07, 2010
Funny, the author claims 30 years of consulting experience but disregards one common fact - CEOs need to align themselves to the company's goals. If it's a common public listed firm, you need to consistently increase share-holder value. If it's private, you need a track-record of generic growth. They really scrutinize your CV, from what sports you like to what your college thesis was about..!
They aren't CEOs because they were nice, they are CEOs because of prestigious education (Oxbridges/Ivies), impeccable track-record (30 years of experience in the industry they lead) and, most importantly, they have the right opportunities at the right time. There is also an element of luck in it.
You can be nice and still be stuck as some mid-level executive, it doesn't do anything. You need a strategy, a good deal of monetary investment at the right time of your life and, most importantly, talent (which some times is a natural phenomena, take leadership for instance).
Don't pretend to be good, be that good.
Raj8:22PM June 07, 2010
My CEO sucks. She talk BIG and never take care of the staff. I wonder when they will change the CEO. She is KELONG QUEEN. Don'y understand why she can stay so long.
WRS staff12:20PM June 07, 2010
It is used to manipulate the unwary. Remember the photo of Hitler looking beneficent to a group of children.
Courtesy is a virtue if it has no agenda, Corporate style niceness usualy has a back plot.
Carl Chiulli10:04PM June 04, 2010
Just an idea.
Where are all the female CEO's???of IL4:13PM May 21, 2010
Boy! I must be having EXTREMELY bad luck with CEOs. The last FOUR at HP/EDS have been unrepentant jerks. Who were MORE than happy to step on employees and toss them aside.
- Offshore US jobs to cheaper locations? No problem.
- Layoff long term, strong performing employees to cut cost? No problem.
- Cut salaries because they didn't make their estimated QUARTERLY earnings? No problem.
Reader Comments
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WRS Staff 5:30AM June 10, 2010
Trevors 10:15AM June 08, 2010
SY 1:16AM June 08, 2010
Naren 10:38PM June 07, 2010
Ex CEO 10:16PM June 07, 2010
Raj 8:22PM June 07, 2010
WRS staff 12:20PM June 07, 2010
Carl Chiulli 10:04PM June 04, 2010
Where are all the female CEO's??? of IL 4:13PM May 21, 2010
J of NV 11:25AM May 18, 2010