Former Olympic rower Cath Bishop and FT's Andrew Hill discuss CEOs' responsibilities, creating sustainable working cultures, and balancing knowledge vs. micromanagement. They explore the importance of team dynamics, learning cultures, and transparent communication in effective leadership.
CEOs must hold individual accountability, while leaders should focus on understanding how things are accomplished.
Leaders need to strike a balance between being informed and avoiding micromanagement by tuning into dynamics and fostering reflective practices.
Deep dives
Understanding the Role of CEOs and Leaders
CEOs and leaders bear immense responsibility as they oversee their organizations. While it may not be feasible for them to know every detail, focusing on understanding how things are accomplished, delving into the culture and stories behind data, and maintaining a curious mindset can help them grasp the essence of their business operations.
Balancing Oversight without Micromanagement
As leaders ascend through the ranks, the temptation to micromanage and know everything intensifies. Striking a balance between being informed and avoiding micromanagement involves tuning into dynamics during meetings, fostering reflective practices, and shifting focus from merely ticking off agenda items to understanding the deeper aspects of organizational functioning.
Empowering Middle Managers for Open Communication
Middle managers play a crucial role in bridging communication between frontline employees and top executives. Encouraging openness, recognizing teams' contributions, and promoting decision-making based on expertise within the team can create a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Embracing diverse metrics that highlight impactful problem-solving over sheer productivity can drive positive change within organizations.
CEOs ultimately take responsibility when something goes wrong on their team. But leaders have a lot on their plates. How can they stay on top of what the people under them are doing, without burning themselves out? To learn more, Isabel Berwick speaks to Cath Bishop, a former Olympic rower who now helps businesses create sustainable working cultures, and the FT’s senior business writer Andrew Hill.
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Presented by Isabel Berwick, produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, mixed by Simon Panayi. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Cheryl Brumley is the FT’s head of audio.