Why every CEO should seek a samurai-sage—and how to be one

Image: Shutterstock

CEOs are in a position of tremendous influence and control. When the CEO likes you, the chances are that you will reap rewards from that relationship. As such, giving bad news or being critical of their thinking is not easy. If you were in the CEO's seat, you would realise how much misinformation is fed to them, either with vested interests or out of fear.

The former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi lost the 1977 election and went to jail, oblivious that she inadvertently led the forced vasectomy of 7.8 million people. Bay of pigs incident in early 1961 is a testament to the silent voices that were equally responsible for a failed attempt to topple Fidel Castro, along with losing thousands of lives. Martin Winterkorn, the CEO of Volkswagen, claimed ignorance of the manipulated emissions for over 10 million vehicles. He may or may not not be telling the truth, but there are many similar stories of death by ignorance that will resonate with many CEOs.

There is a myriad of personalities in the top spots of companies; for some, a fear of truth-telling may be justified. Yet, perspectives that are emergent, authentic, and substantive are still incredibly well regarded by most CEOs of lasting stature. They can not afford blind spots. Leadership today, more than ever before, is in the middle of a VUCA revolution: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. It is the worst of times to be blindsided. Yet, recent research from Fierce Conversation released last year finds that 63 percent of employees chose not to share a concern or provide negative feedback at work, and 80 percent think it is better just to get along. Any leader needs to feel threatened by this research. It is almost akin to saying that you have an 80 percent blockage in your arteries.

First, you must acquire knowledge that this comes from learning and experience, but, more importantly, from establishing a calm, dependable mind that is in control and is deliberate. Reputation for asking questions and sharing answers is vital. In the age of ubiquitous media, this is not hard. A study of yoga and meditation goes a long way both in becoming and sharing calmness of the mind.

When such is your code of conduct, you will make a great CEO advisor: One of a samurai-sage. Every CEO seeks them out, even if they do not know what they are looking for. In the end, they do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

The author is an Executive Search, Culture, & Strategy Advisor, Speaker, & CEO Coach at Austin McGregor.