In a New York Times column, David Brooks writes about a recent study on the traits of successful CEOs. To be good as a CEO, he says, it pays to have these qualities:
attention to detail, persistence, efficiency, analytic thoroughness and the ability to work long hours.
On the other hand, these attributes don’t count for much:
…a good listener, a good team builder, an enthusiastic colleague, a great communicator…
But the rank and file needs to hear from its CEO and department heads (call them mini-CEOs). There’s ample research showing that effective internal communications improve employee productivity and company performance.
Good executives know this. They also know they need expert communicators who can translate their thoughts into messages that employees can relate to.
Which is why guys like me stay employed.
Here’s a secret: Most CEOs may not be good communicators, but all of them care deeply about the company, its people and its future. This sentiment gets masked by the CEO’s constant drive to analyze and execute, which is why it falls to the writer to recognize it and give it expression.
