CEO Effectiveness
CEO effectiveness is critical to any organization. But most new chief executives soon realize they are not adequately prepared for the complexity of the position. Developmental conversations with a trusted advisor can lead the way to accelerated individual and organizational success.
Before: Chief Executive Hits Roadblock on the Way to Success
"When we announced our selection to succeed the retiring CEO, the business press hailed the move. There were big plans to expand the company’s international presence and to carve a larger market share through aggressive research and development. With our new leader at the helm, we were poised for the future. My fellow board members and I were well pleased with our choice.
"Just 18 months later, we were seriously thinking about undertaking a search to find a replacement. Sales were down and our plans for international expansion stalled. It was clear our rising star’s enthusiasm for the job had waned. He was not as verbally expressive and his comments at meetings were no longer relevant. At a loss to explain the change, we decided to ask RHR International to evaluate the CEO in an attempt to turnaround the situation."
After: Objective Professional Guidance Optimizes CEO Performance
"There is a big difference between being a senior executive and being the senior executive. It is extremely difficult to fully prepare for the transition without assistance. People treat CEOs differently and candid criticism becomes rare. It is critical for new CEOs to have a high level confidant with whom they can share some of their frustrations, plans and concerns, and from whom they can obtain honest feedback for development.
"The CEO and I began to establish a relationship as I shadowed him on the job and observed his interactions with his senior team, customers and the board. Gradually, his confusion, anxiety and self-doubt were discussed as we worked through a process of self-examination and deliberation. Today, with a new understanding of the position and new approaches for dealing with its particular challenges, the CEO is guiding his company to new levels of productivity and effectiveness."