CEO Success Report -
January 2004
Back to the
Archive Index
This Newsletter is sent ONLY to people who have requested it.
To subscribe or unsubscribe, skip to the bottom for instructions.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
CEO Success Report
- January 2004
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Increasing the Effectiveness and Enhancing the Lives of CEOs
and business owners.
Contents of this issue...
.. Welcome - A few words from the publisher, Gary Lockwood
.. Thought-Starter - "Attention Please"
.. Guest article - "CEO Skills"
.. CEO Resources
.. Quotes to use in your staff meeting this month
.. Humor to lighten up the executive suite
.. Contact the publisher
.. Subscribe and unsubscribe instructions
See past issues of the CEO Success Report at:
http://www.CEOSuccess.com/archives
=============================================
WELCOME to this issue of the CEO Success Report!
=============================================
Hello again. I'm Gary Lockwood, President of CEO Success.
Welcome back once again to the CEO Success. I know you have
no shortage of material to read and I thank you for choosing to
read our newsletter.
We work hard to provide practical ideas, thought-provoking concepts
and useful information for you.
You (and over 1000 of your CEO peers), have honored me by
being a loyal subscriber. For that, I appreciate you.
Did you ever wonder why some things catch your attention and
others don't? By taking advantage of how your brain works, you
can increase your creativity, reduce boredom, boost recognition
of opportunities and accelerate achievement of your goals.
My "thought-starter" in today's issue looks at a little-known part
of your brain that determines what you pay attention to. Learn how
to control it.
May I ask a small favor? Please forward this issue to other CEOs
and company presidents who may be interested in receiving
these messages. Thank you.
And now for our guest article this month.
Not a month goes by when there isn't a new take on the critical skills
that today's CEO's must have to lead their organizations into the
next millennium. It's difficult to assess the essential skills that need
development when you are at the top and running at breakneck speed.
Our guest author this month, Joni Daniels, shares her thoughts about
what skills are required, about CEO strategies for development and
a handy self-assessment so you can see how you're doing. Read more
about Joni at the end of her article.
I hope you enjoy receiving these articles and ideas to
help you sharpen your thinking about being an effective CEO.
My wish is that you use the ideas in the CEO Success Report to
get the results you really want. If you want some help in putting
them into practice, or if you have questions, email or call.
As you know, our specialty is Increasing the Effectiveness
and Enhancing the Lives of CEOs and business owners.
Enjoy this issue with my compliments.
Sincerely,
Gary Lockwood
CEO Success
===========================================
This month's THOUGHT-STARTER
===========================================
Attention Please - May I Have Your Attention?
by Gary Lockwood
Why do some things catch your attention and others don't?
Remember the last time you decided to buy a car? Once you decided
what kind of car you wanted, you started seeing more of that kind of
car on the streets. Were they there before and you just didn't pay
attention to them? A pregnant woman will start noticing other
pregnant women. Your new house is close to railroad tracks, yet
after a few days, you don't hear the trains anymore.
What is it that provokes your attention? At the base of the brain
where it connects to the spinal chord is a region known as the
Reticular Activating System (RAS). The RAS acts as a newspaper
editor. Editors make decisions regarding which stories get big
headlines, page one treatment, and which items wind up buried
with the ads on page sixteen.
The RAS receives thousands of messages each second. Everything you
see, hear, smell, feel and touch is a message entering your brain. The
Reticular Activating System filters through all these messages and
decides which ones will get page one treatment - that is, arouse
the brain.
One of the things we've learned from working with entrepreneurs is
that we tend to pay attention to the things which are important to
us at the time. If our currently dominant thoughts are about creating
a new brochure, we'll start seeing other brochures. We'll hear
conversations about brochures. We'll pick up ideas relating to
brochures and even notice colors that would be attractive for the
new brochure.
In other words, the Reticular Activating System will pass through
anything even remotely related to the important issue - the brochure.
From a practical point of view, this means that, if we want to solve
a problem or achieve a goal, keep it at the top of your mind. Think
about it, talk about it, write about it and imagine it completed. This
is one of the reasons why affirmations work so well and why it is
important to review your goals frequently.
Some people will keep an idea at "top of mind" by creating a notebook
of pictures cut from magazines, that reflect their idea or their
desired end result. This "image book" helps the visualization process,
keeps the brain focused on the important issue and triggers the RAS.
By taking advantage of how your brain works, you can increase your
creativity, reduce boredom, boost recognition of opportunities and
accelerate achievement of your goals.
Where do you start? Write down the five most important outcomes
you want to achieve in the coming year. Put this paper in a conven-
ient place where you can read it every day. This affirmation of your
preferred future will keep your Reticular Activating System working
for you, filtering in the sights, sounds, ideas and people to help you
get there.
In other words, it will get your attention.
C Copyright 2001-2004 BizSuccess All rights reserved. No duplication
About the Author...
Gary Lockwood is Increasing the Effectiveness and Enhancing the
Lives of CEOs, business owners and professionals.
Email: mailto:Gary@CEOSuccess.com
Web: http://www.CEOSuccess.com
==================================
Guest Article
==================================
CEO Skills
by Joni Daniels
Pick up almost any edition of FAST Company, BusinessWeek, or Fortune
Magazine. Browse the shelves of Barnes and Noble, Borders or surf
through Amazon.com. Not a month goes by when there isn't a new take
on the critical skills that today's CEO's must have to lead their
organizations into the next millennium.
Like the woodcutter who has no time to sharpen his blade, CEO's are
eager to be more effective and efficient but have no time to create a
plan. It is difficult to assess the essential skills that need
development when you are at the top and running at breakneck speed.
Add to the challenge the fact that it is not easy to get genuine,
unbiased information about skills and behaviors if you occupy the top
slot. People have their own agendas to look after, and the fear of
retribution is alive and well in most organizations.
The real problem with the CEO's who write the articles, or are
written about, and the consultants who author the latest how-to
do-it-right books, is that they are not you, and they do not run your
company. Defining a set of critical CEO skills often depends on the
stage of development that the organization is in, the culture that
defines the behavior of the employees, the goals and objectives the
company has set, and the industry itself.
Most of us know that the success of the CEO and the organization are
inextricably linked. To be successful, the CEO must:
Create a Vision
A successful vision excites people to pull together and work toward a
goal that is possible, but does not currently exist. It aligns people
from a wide variety of backgrounds and organizational levels. It is
clearly understood by everyone. The ability to turn their vision of
the organization into a realistic, credible, attractive future that
allows people to feel pride and satisfaction is critical.
Communicate Well and Often
Effective communication skills involve talking, listening and asking
questions. Leaders are available to send the message, provide
information, give answers and set the tone. A winning CEO is one who
possesses the ability to relate a compelling image of the desired
state of affairs, inducing enthusiasm and commitment in others.
Attract and Develop Leaders
People want to be on a winning team, and they want the opportunity to
be recognized for the talent and skills they bring into an
organization. Today's employees also want to be developed, and
trained in areas that benefit them as well as the organization. The
ability to entrust others to translate intentions into reality -
pulling rather than pushing people, gaining enthusiasm and energy as
by-products - are essential CEO skills. People are motivated by
identification rather than reward or punishment.
Create Effective Teams
The opportunity to work with others provides the chance to not only
learn and develop, but also teach and train. The CEO, as leader of
the senior team, can model and create that expectation. Delegating,
follow-up, motivating and coaching can all be standards of excellence.
Do the Things ONLY He/She Can Do
The CEO is the person who sees the big picture, and paints it with
bold, bright colors. He/she connects the organization to the outside
world, sets goals and charts the path to the future. The CEO lets
people know the part they will play in the success of the
organization.
Management vs. Leadership
Some people assume that leadership and management are synonymous, but
the terms are not interchangeable. Management is the formal authority
people are given within an organization. Leadership is informal, is
not necessarily conferred by the organization. It is said that
Managers do things right; Leaders do the right thing. While there is
no single definition of leadership, there seems to be an
understanding that a leader is the person who commits people to
action, converts followers into leaders and converts leaders into
agents of change.
CEO's impact the climate of their organizations for reasons that have
less to do with title, and more to do with behavior. They are tuned
in to the mental attitude of employees, picking up on cues, clues and
behaviors. They lead by example, and are aware that their behavior
sets an example. It comes as no surprise that people pay attention to
everything they do. Great CEO's know that, while employees can afford
a bad day, they can't. They are very mindful about how they handle
emergencies, and pay attention to how they handle pressure from the
Board of Directors, key clients, and the marketplace. The best CEO's
know that neglect is a key reason for the deterioration of companies,
divisions and departments.
Successful CEO's:
Create the organization's values through their communication.
Develop committed followers.
Inspire lofty accomplishments.
Model appropriate behavior.
Focus attention on important issues.
Connect their companies to the outside world.
The best CEO's customize these practices and make them uniquely their
own. The following checklist and strategies are the tactics that,
when put into action, stack the odds in favor of success.
A CEO Checklist
Do the people I lead know where we are going and how we are going to
get there together?
Do I carefully consider my employees' input in establishing plans,
resolving problems and improving operations?
Am I accessible to my employees?
Can people in my organization predict how I will react to different
situations?
Do I share my optimism about our success with my staff?
Do people enjoy coming to work? Do we have fun?
Do I promote people to greater responsibilities in my group and
elsewhere in the company?
Do employees know how they are doing, what is expected of them, and
what they can expect from me over the next few years?
Successful CEO Strategies:
Err on the side of strong leadership. While empowering others and
developing talent is hoped for, CEO's get the "big bucks" to do the
job of being the leader.
Be consistent. In an ever-changing marketplace, where companies seem
to come and go like the latest TV shows, people want to know they can
depend on the person who is in the organizational driver's seat.
Keep communicating. People learn slowly and forget easily. They have
a very personal stake in what goes on at work. A CEO's message can
compete with rumor, innuendo, fear and opinion. Provide information,
vary the methods used and assume that no matter how much you
communicate, it is never enough.
CEO Self-Assessment
Think about your role as the CEO. As you answer the questions, chose
the number that best describes you next to each statement.
4 - 100% True; 3 - 75% True; 2 - 50% True; 1 - 25%True; 0 - 100% False
_____ Every employee knows my vision for the future of the company.
_____ I am seen every week, walking around the office and talking
with
employees.
_____ My employees understand the role they play in the company's
success.
_____ I am known as someone who develops people.
_____ I ask for feedback.
_____ I often try things outside of my 'comfort zone."
_____ People know I mean what I say.
_____ I ask a lot of questions.
_____ I take into account the impact on employees when considering
changes.
_____ I have plenty of energy and optimism to get me through the day.
_____ People enjoy coming to work here.
_____ I check with people I trust to get their opinions and reactions.
_____ I always have a plan of action if things don't go as intended.
Now, before you congratulate yourself, remember this is a Self
Assessment. How do you KNOW your answer is accurate? Observable
behaviors are the best way to know if your assessment is an accurate
one.
For example: You know that every employee knows your vision for the
future of the company, because you can stop any employee, ask them
about your vision for the company, and each one will say the same
thing, which echoes your vision.
You know that you are seen every week, walking around the office and
talking with employees because people are not shocked to see you, you
greet them by name, and the process takes longer than 20 minutes.
You know your employees understand the role they play in the company'
s success because they have ideas about how to add to the
accomplishments of the organization.
So go out and ask a cross section of employees what they see you
doing. If a tree falls with no one around, just imagine what it means
when no employees hear or see their CEO.
About the Author...
Joni Daniels is the founder of Daniels & Associates, a consulting group
specializing in organizational, personal and professional development.
A nationally recognized trainer, speaker, author, and entrepreneur,
Ms. Daniels has helped professionals at all levels to develop effective
interpersonal and management skills. For more information, please visit
www.jonidaniels.com or http://www.powertoolsforwomen.com
=============================================
RESOURCES for CEOs
=============================================
The Executive Committee - Chief Executives Working Together
http://www.CEOSuccess.com
** Attention CEOs
Business leaders are choosing a new way to better their companies and
themselves - through membership in TEC, an international organization of
CEOs.
Imagine the benefits of meeting regularly with a small group
of company leaders in your area to share experiences, exchange ideas and
solve common problems.
Thousands of chief executives turn to TEC for a learning experience they
cannot get anywhere else. We are committed to connecting CEOs with the
people, ideas and information they need to help them improve their
businesses and enhance their lives.
Check it out at http://www.CEOSuccess.com
===============================================
QUOTES to use in your staff meeting this month
===============================================
"We never know the worth of water 'til the well is dry."
English Proverb
"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their
thoughts."
John Locke
"Everyone has a talent, what is rare is the courage to follow the talent
to the dark place where it leads."
Erica Jong
"Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have
let go."
William Feather
"I learned that it is the weak who are cruel, and that gentleness is to
be expected only from the strong."
Leo Rosten
===============================================
HUMOR to lighten up
the executive suite
===============================================
You Know Your Way Around
------------------------
A reporter was interviewing Jack Nicklaus. He said, "Jack, you are
spectacular, your name is synonymous with the game of golf. You
really know your way around the course. What is your secret?"
To which Jack replied, "The holes are numbered!"
Some One Liners
---------------
When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice safe
playpen. When they're finished, I climb out. -Erma Bombeck
I'm a light eater. As soon as it's light, I start to eat.
-Art Donovan
The person who agrees with everything you say either isn't
listening to you or plans to sell you something. -Bud Holiday
If you can stay in love for more than two years, you're on
something. -Fran Lebowitz
Any child who is anxious to mow the lawn is too young
to do so. -Bob Phillips
***excerpts from: http://www.joker.org/ ***
=================================
CONTACT CEO Success
=================================
Gary Lockwood is the publisher of the CEO Success Report.
Email: mailto:Gary@CEOSuccess.com
Office: (909) 739-7444 Fax: (909) 494-4314
Postal: 6837 Raspberry Court, Corona, CA 92880
========================================
Your Comments, please?
========================================
I appreciate feedback, corrections, and comments about the
CEO Success Report. Please send your thoughts to:
Gary@CEOSuccess.com mailto:Gary@CEOSuccess.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit http://www.CEOSuccess.com/newsletter.htm
To subscribe, send a blank message to subscribe@CEOSuccess.com
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to CEO-off@CEOSuccess.com
To change your email address, send a message to CEO-change@CEOSuccess.com
with your old address in the Subject: line
To contact the list owner, send your message to
CEO-list-owner@CEOSuccess.com
Copyright © 2004 CEO Success All rights reserved.
