Over the last several months, I have received emails or have had students stop by my office and ask what it takes to become a CEO. I really don’t know if there are steps to get there, but in my experience, if you are a great leader, you will eventually become a CEO. I’ve put together a simple list … [Read more...] about Focus on Five Things to Be a Great Leader
Ask the CEO
Ask the CEO
Buy Your Employee Lunch on the First Day and Last An interesting thing happened to my son, Ross, recently. After graduating from college with two degrees, he has decided to return to school. This time, at a trade school that will train him in the science of Non-Destructive Testing. As part of … [Read more...] about Ask the CEO
Why Write a Note When You Can Email?
At Northern Arizona University, we are days away from graduation. The thing that makes the May 2017 graduation special to me is that my very first students from MGT 101 – Introduction to Business are graduating. The last several weeks have been a constant flood of those students coming to me to … [Read more...] about Why Write a Note When You Can Email?
Do I Really Need a Board of Directors?
My column this month raises a question I received from a CEO. This is meant for those CEOs who are either running a non-profit or a privately held organization. All publicly held or publicly traded organizations are required by SEC law to have a board of directors. Just feed them and … [Read more...] about Do I Really Need a Board of Directors?
How Important is My First Job After I Graduate?
I’m always amazed when a student walks in my office or approaches me after class to tell me that he or she isn’t accepting a job offer. It is usually followed with something like, “I didn’t go to college for four years just to stock shelves…make phone calls…work a front desk…etc.” I have three … [Read more...] about How Important is My First Job After I Graduate?
“Ask the CEO”
Honesty Should Be the Policy in a Family Business As many of you know, I am fortunate enough to teach at Northern Arizona University. One of my courses is Management 300i where we teach students the basics for starting a business. They learn about writing a business plan, understanding the … [Read more...] about “Ask the CEO”
Make It a Point in 2017 to Ask, ‘Are You Doing Okay?’
Early in my career, I worked for Will Keiper. Will was one of my first managers and in many ways, he taught me how to be a manager. He knew the fine balance of being a friend and also a tough manager. In the late ‘80s, I left the company where I worked for Will to work for Compaq Computer in … [Read more...] about Make It a Point in 2017 to Ask, ‘Are You Doing Okay?’
Quitting Your Job: How To and How Not To Do It
Several months ago, my column discussed when to shut down a business. Oddly, in the last month, I’ve had several of my NACET clients have employees quit. And closer to home, my wife quit her job after three years. So, I decided to write this month on the two reasons you should quit and the two … [Read more...] about Quitting Your Job: How To and How Not To Do It
When Should the Founder Hire a CEO?
In the last 30 days, I have had four different CEO/founders come to me about a number of issues that all point to one thing. Is it time to hire an outside CEO/president/COO? I truly believe this one decision is the toughest for any founder/CEO to make. It involves coming to the realization that your … [Read more...] about When Should the Founder Hire a CEO?
How Do You Know It’s Time to Quit?
This month, I am touching on knowing when is it time to shut down the business, part ways with an employee (or partner) or just move on yourself. “I knew from day one something wasn’t right” Listen to your gut. And it will tell you a lot. A CEO I work with has four different … [Read more...] about How Do You Know It’s Time to Quit?