November 06th, 2008
By Mark
This came from members of Sterling Lanier’s Vistage Group in the Bay Area. I changed just a couple of items, but this is essentially their work.
CEO Driven Activities
- surround yourself with good advisors and seek their help
- focus on sales and staying close to customers
- continue spending on sales related activities
- focus on activities that increase cash flow
- use zero base budgeting and forecast on rolling 12 month basis
- make a cash forecast and action plan for sales down 30%
- forecast cash flow biweekly (more…)
September 20th, 2008
By Mark
I visited a meeting of Vistage Chairs in Los Angeles this week. One Vistage Chair shared a few documents that were some of his best practices. This document on networking I thought was well written and worth publishing on my website. I see way too many very talented executives who are not prepared to find a new job. If you follow these steps, you will have a much greater chance of success.
Ten Commandments Of Networking
“Dedicated to the memory and honor of Robert Cannefax
who taught me all about networking and much more”
by
Hayden Claisse
Vistage Chair
San Marino, CA
His email address is heclaisse at sbcglobal dot net
I. Do not ask for a job
In your network contacts (letters, emails, telephone calls) always state that you are interested in expanding your network and learning more about the dynamics of the contact’s industry. This is what every network contact can readily do to help. VERY few, almost none, will know of specific positions for you. If they do, they will surely mention it so you do not need to ask. Do ask for 3-5 names of contacts that can help you expand your network. This is what they can do easily.
Even with executive search people, you should talk in terms of industries of interest and broadly defined roles as next steps in your career – not specific titles. (more…)
September 02nd, 2008
By Mark
This is a poem I wrote in a Vistage Chair training class. I am continually reminded how fear gets in the way of good decision making for managers. I am also continually reminded how I am hampered by fear. Of course, I deny the fear in me more than I should. It is easy to attribute your actions or lack of actions on things besides fear when fear is the issue at hand.
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I want to write about fear.
There is no metal, but the chains are strong.
I am afraid, what will they think? (more…)
October 29th, 2007
By Mark
Mission, Vision, Values, Goals. Those are the answers. The question is “What should one do to be a successful CEO?”
I am asked this question all the time, by my Vistage members. The more I learn, the more I talk to successful CEOs, the more Vistage speakers I hear, the more I believe that Mission, Vision, Values, Goals are the path to success. They don’t guarantee success, but they put you on the path. This blog entry just talks about Values.
September 03rd, 2007
By Mark
Many years ago when I was running Stellcom, my wife gave me a book that changed the way I managed forever. The book is “The Five Temptations of a CEO” by Pat Lencioni. The book is very easy to read and understand. The 5 temptations are:
August 10th, 2007
By Mark
I was speaking to a CEO member of my Vistage group about morals and how to determine if his behavior was acceptable. We wandered in the discussion talking about strict moral standards compared to loose moral standards. What was appropriate in judging his behavior? What yardstick should he use?
July 06th, 2007
By Mark
Why did I join Vistage back in 1991? That is an easy question to answer.
I was a software engineer since companies paid me to program their computers. I was a CEO because I filed some documents with the State of California. Being a CEO by title, but not knowing how to be a CEO is a pretty stupid thing to do. Then again, I think it is important that CEOs are willing to try things when they don’t fully understand the facts.