Does it exist – a paradise for CEOs?

A VIP lounge for CEOs might not be a real place in heaven (although who amongst us really knows), but let’s assume for all people that there is another form of reward and recognition than what we know from this world and at this time.

If so, somebody or something as a judge who is handing out VIP tickets will look at everyone’s actions and the way a leader carries the heavy burden of pressure and responsibilities for one or even more businesses. I wonder how such “evaluations” will look given that we are now in a recession and everything seems to be difficult. Would it matter, in fact, that leaders still have a lot on their plate with ambitious business goals, cost cutting or beating competitors?

The market is tough and will remain so for some time to come; therefore, having courage and vision are necessary to move forward and bring results. The trick comes when the vision is beyond next month, next year or the next century. I believe that there is a lot more that can be initiated by leaders that is beyond the pressing need to expand or multiply business now. I think people in organisations, in teams and our juniors deserve it.

A leader is (whether he / she wants to be or not) a true role model, an example for people with everything he/she does or doesn’t do or says or doesn’t say. As such, leading by example is an important element for developing subordinates and close team members. It is an example for experienced colleagues as well as for new members in the organisation, even if their positions are far down the hierarchy.

The leader’s discipline, unconditional respect for people, fairness, search for synergies and availability for dialog – all of these transform managers and subordinates, their attitudes, thoughts and actions. These also define the business culture and working environment with all its positive or negative meaning. Is it different when times are tough? Yes! It is even more important , as the evaluation will show us.

The person who can do all of this, who can be a professional in his / her position as a role model and source of inspiration, does important and considerable work for the business as well as for their own people.

I understand that all coins have 2 sides – if leaders do not listen then they cannot hear suggestions. If they do not ask questions then they cannot look below the surface to see all the possibilities that the answers might suggest. If they do not allow themselves to change from time-honoured paths and habits, then they cannot appreciate thoughts that speak of innovations and improvements. If they do not believe in their own words, they cannot fully harvest the motivation and loyalty of their own people.

At the present time, efforts in business are focussing a lot on current issues and problems, and leaders must be able to react to them quickly. These same issues can jeopardise a leader’s long-term vision and intangible, invisible investment in people. I still believe that leaders can and should lead by pursuing a long-term vision, by having the courage to overcome the temptation of now-or-never profits and by looking for more layers of value within their teams and organisations.

And what can be done on a daily, monthly or annual basis? Well, this represents a different subject for another newsletter. The next generation of managers will need to have the skills and the strengths to continue in business and generate results in the second half of the 21st Century. Being successful in the long term and being a positive role model is worth it! And not only because the VIP lounge might exist...

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.