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Just a little tip for the younger "engineers" out there: When a conversation like this is brought to you by the CEO, they are not really looking for the "correct answer" from you.
It's not a school test. They need to talk to someone!
They are about to make a difficult decision, and - being human beings - they actually need to talk things through. And get a little pushback!
These CEOs got balls like you wouldn't believe. You don't need to be careful with them. Call them on their bs - they'll totally get intrigued and seek out your consulting them.
What makes the whole thing worthless is if you try to mirror what you think is their opinion.
If you at least don't mirror but you've got no clue, and no calling out, then all you are good for is being a mirror. They will not seek you out.
The best sounding board for CEOs is like this:
1. Accepts their authority.
2. Doesn't lick boots.
3. Notifies them of actual nonsense, insanity or inappropriateness. High performers sometimes get carried away in mania, and they want to know that.
4. Fuel their mania 😈! They want the mania, but they need to stop just short of the cliff of insanity.
5. Celebrate what's going on, if it's worthy. They depend on some form of aggregate social feedback. They are CEOs - they can just push through any individual resistance, but they need the aggregate form.
6. Has got a clue - that's great and valuable. But note that I did not put it first. Being CEO, they are "Rome" and all ways in the company lead to them. They know what they are doing, and have a clue already.
7. Ask back! Probe their views a bit. That's why they came to you in the first place.
This should be a pretty good list. Did I miss anything? Chime in, leaders! What do you need in *them*?
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