Comments on: Adam says I’m dusty… and what a CEO should be doing

by: Dave

Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:26:16 +0000

I stumbled here from a google search of “tappers and listeners” trying to learn more about Elizabeth Newton’s experiment.

I’m just a frontline grunt in a science publish environment (an intellecutually bereft one at that so excuse my disgruntled tone), but how does a CEO prevent the too common disconnect with the grunts (one manifestation of the problem of tappers and listeners)?

by: Jana

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:45:20 +0000

Amie, Om is extremely thoughtful. More CEOs need to question their time… if only as a check! :-) Happy to inspire.

David, I completely agree that time spent varies… not sure it is hugely though. You know, I’m a customer-focused person. I believe that brings up the right types of businesses. CEOs should be spending time with customers. Too many have no idea what customers want and need, so how can they make the day-to-day, as well as strategic decisions they have to? They need to really understand, not just understand from someone else’s perspective. Also, time spent with customers should be at least 75% with your team as well. It should not be an “exclusive” to be sitting with the CEO and a customer. Team members should be there, as this gives the CEO the ability to see how team members interact with customers too.

As always, thanks for the perspectives!!! :-)

by: David

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:15:45 +0000

Jana it is great to see your time allocation and in start-up/nascent businesses the percentages are probably right. However, I think the time you allocate to each category depends HUGELY on the business you’re in, the issues you are facing, the size & sophistication of your team and the make-up of your own personality.

Two leaders can be equally successful leading a business allocating different time to different tasks. I personally would spend a lot more time with people and a little less with clients, but that is because our passion & proficiencies are different.

Great post!!!

by: Life on a Shirt by Jana Eggers » OLP, CNN, jetlag and training

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 22:34:13 +0000

[…] This brings up point number two… yes, those are dark circles under my eyes. As I looked at myself in the mirror tonight, I thought “Hmmmm… I should have added ‘deal with jetlag’ as some percentage in my ‘what a CEO should be doing’ post.” I’d say that’s another 10%. Jenny, I hope that didn’t scare the horses. ;-) […]

by: Amie Gillingham

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:55:25 +0000

You know, it makes me feel better knowing that someone I respect as much as Om Malik is asking questions like these. I know I definitely need to make better use of my time. I’m working constantly, to be sure, but I think I need to re-evaluate how much of it is busy work and how much of it is really moving my goals forward. I suspect it’s a bit too much of the former and that really needs to change. Thanks for the inspiration!

by: Jana Eggers

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:38:34 +0000

Jenny, Ummmm… I’ve known you for a long time remember? I know you are impatient, about some things. :-)

Axel, yes, I agree. The 10% you are thinking of I’d put in the 25% on innovation + vision. I’m bad at leaving that time to be clear.

Molly, again, I agree. I see coaching as “living”, meaning it happens all the time, so any time with the team is coaching. Regarding multi-cultural aspects, gosh, this depends on the day for me. Sometimes, I think they are big, and other times, I feel they are just the same issues in a different context, i.e., people are people… which means, it is multi-dimensional, layered. You need to remember to dive into the layers, and be up front about it. It saves time.

Thanks!
Jana

by: MollyB

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:10:58 +0000

How do you find that intercultural challenges affect the recommended percentages?

My experience is that 10% coaching is a low estimate in multicultural contexts. It’s such an integral part of any interaction that I find it hard to pinpoint exactly how much time & energy I invest there.

by: Axel

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:43:35 +0000

“Expect the unexpected, or you won’t find it.” (Heraclit, greek philosoph).
Give yourself some space - plan just 90% of your time ;o)

by: Jenny

Sun, 16 Sep 2007 21:05:14 +0000

Who says I’m impatient? ;)

I’ve attempted several emails poking you about not posting… but then guilt gets in the way for not doing as I say to do, so I don’t hit send. Clearly, I need to post more so I can bug you about it. I miss you when you aren’t posting.

I think it’s good you gave percentages for time. If you gave hours, you’d frighten the horses.