CEO Note to Self

During times when you are considering acquisitions

or restructures or other highly confidential strategic directives,

YOU DISAPPEAR.   

You leave a vacuum like a NEON ANNOUNCEMENT

that something BIG AND SCARY is going on.   

Even when you are present you are not present.

Your preoccupation is evident.

You look sheepish and asleep at the wheel.

People gossip about you and wonder where you are
and why you aren't doing your job.  

 And it's hard to interact when you are carrying big secrets.

It is your job to go toward the organization
when there is a major transition going on.

This is when WHO  you are matters more than
what you have to SAY.   

Be physically present in as many places as possible.

CEO sitings matter more than substantial interaction.

Your presence is soothing  and grounding.

Much more than you will ever know.

This degree of truth should be incredible humbling.

You are the  papa or mama bear of the organization.

LIKE IT OR NOT