Ever watch the Undercover Boss TV series? I have watched it a few times, and each time I was moved by the CEO approach. I like the efforts and light it brings to an important topic. Much like the "walk a mile in my shoes" programs. It is easy to loose sight of what it is like to work the front lines when your time is captivated in the boardroom.
I can proudly say as a member of senior managment, I always took the time to not only understand the roles in my division, but spent time side by side with the staff. Whether it was building servers, or taking service desk calls, I took the time to have that exposure and insight. I couldn't understand or help the team if I couldn't relate or have that first hand experience. Furthermore, it clearly helps deliver the message that I care, and want to know them as a person. That is why I like this show so much. I have a strong opinion that an effective leader needs to leave the boardroom, and tie beyond from time to time and work the front lines.
There have been some companies that when hiring new leaders, make them work some of the front line jobs for a period of time before taking on their new managerial role. I have read those critics on this approach, but I like it for those that have not grown up in the profession for which they will assume a leadership role in. I don't see any negative side effects of this approach. What I do see is an organization that wants team work throughout the organizational structure.
So as a leader, there is nothing wrong with delivering drinks to your staff on a Friday afternoon to say thank you. How about holding the door open for staff coming in out of the rain and saying thank you for all you do. How about joining staff on an afternoon break in the breakroom and say - "how's it going?" Be present, be personable, and engaged. Leadership isn't about giving out orders and mandates, it is about setting direction, share the vision, help others see the vision and empower them to get there. Micro managers are just managers not leaders. Don't get them confused....
I would like to see more CEO, CFO, CIO's and VP's do an undercover mission and make great things happen in their company. Spreadsheets and numbers don't tell the complete story. Don't manage by spreadsheet, but take to the floor and learn your business and people.
Keep it positive!
Scott Arnett
scott.arnett@charter.net
About Me
- Scott Arnett
- Scott Arnett is an Information Technology & Security Professional Executive with over 30 years experience in IT. Scott has worked in various industries such as health care, insurance, manufacturing, broadcast, printing, and consulting and in enterprises ranging in size from $50M to $20B in revenue. Scott’s experience encompasses the following areas of specialization: Leadership, Strategy, Architecture, Business Partnership & Acumen, Process Management, Infrastructure and Security. With his broad understanding of technology and his ability to communicate successfully with both Executives and Technical Specialists, Scott has been consistently recognized as someone who not only can "Connect the Dots", but who can also create a workable solution. Scott is equally comfortable playing technical, project management/leadership and organizational leadership roles through experience gained throughout his career. Scott has previously acted in the role of CIO, CTO, and VP of IT, successfully built 9 data centers across the country, and is expert in understanding ITIL, PCI Compliance, SOX, HIPAA, FERPA, FRCP and COBIT.
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