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David Fubini has never been a CEO of a major corporation, but during his 34-year career as a senior director at consulting firm McKinsey, he had ample opportunity to work closely with and observe CEOs and leaders of all types in action—and to analyze why they succeeded or failed.

Fubini, a senior lecturer in the Organizational Behavior Unit at Harvard Business School, poured that knowledge, along with a list of lessons learned from researching leaders past and present into the book Hidden Truths: What Leaders Need to Hear But Are Rarely Told, published in December. The book is a leadership guide to navigating a role that Fubini says is unlike any other, which leaves many new CEOs and leaders struggling to find their footing.

“People strive for a long time to develop functional skills and operational knowledge and a track record of success, to reach a point where they can be the leader of an organization,” Fubini explains. “What’s shocking for most is that the skills and track record that delivered them to this role aren’t helpful once they get there.”

“WHAT’S SHOCKING FOR MOST IS THAT THE SKILLS AND TRACK RECORD THAT DELIVERED THEM TO THIS ROLE AREN’T HELPFUL ONCE THEY GET THERE.”

Not only do CEOs struggle to learn how to run a company from a lonely role at the top, but they often quickly find that the network of coworkers they relied on for years are no longer faithful allies. “They don’t realize that leaders have a different relationship with their subordinates, just by virtue of the hierarchy of organizations,” says Fubini, who led McKinsey’s Boston office for 10 years and also co-founded a global unit within the firm that aided mergers of some of the world’s top companies.

To help demystify the position, Fubini asked CEOs both past and present what they most wished they’d known before taking the top job—and what they learned that they least expected once they got there. “The things that came out were very heartfelt,” he says. “Some talked about how they failed at the challenge; others, how it was a crucible of learning that they ultimately worked their way through.”

Fubini distilled their insights into 15 chapters, each containing a lesson that could apply to leaders of any organization. Ultimately, he hopes the book will help current and prospective CEOs become better leaders. “If you peel back the curtain on leaders, here’s what it looks like,” he says.

Here, Fubini explains five key pieces of advice for business leaders.

1. Avoid half-truths and misperceptions

“When you are an advisor to an organization, as I was for three decades,” he says, “this is one that always seems to be relevant. In the book, I quote a former admiral who said he knew two things with certainty when he came onto a battleship: He was never going to get handed a cold cup of coffee, and he was never going to hear the whole truth.

“YOU HAVE TO BE OPEN AND CANDID AND SAY, ‘LOOK, TELL ME WHAT YOU ARE NOT TELLING ME.'”

“People coming into a new role will struggle because they get told only a portion of what they need to know. Once you recognize that it’s not human nature to tell you everything, you have to be open and candid and say, ‘Look, tell me what you are not telling me.’

“Some CEOs also perform a double-check by not relying only on what they’re told by one group, but also going back and having confirmative conversations with others. Others will go a few layers below the senior management team and engage middle-management, who are often willing to be absolutely candid and have a deeper understanding of what is really going on.”

2. Start change management by changing the management

“There is enormous value to changing out management because it unleashes frozen organizations and brings a change of perspective,” Fubini says. “And frankly, the broader body of the organization often welcomes the change. There are lots of examples where people come in and get told: We can’t do this. Let me tell you why this didn’t work. Because they are stuck in a status quo mindset.

“But you don’t have time for that—change is often a matter of speed. There’s also sometimes a belief that you don’t want to change out management because you will lose the institutional knowledge that exists there, and that will set you back. But the truth is, that institutional knowledge doesn’t rest with people who are directly reporting in the senior management team. It rests with the people below it.”

3. Use psychic rewards, not just monetary ones

“Money is critically important only up to a point [to employees], but the real motivation comes from an emotional connection that you feel—either that you are more highly valued than someone else because of the natural competitiveness of human nature, or the ego enhancement of being told how great a performer you are,” Fubini contends.

“If I tell you that you are highly respected and that your partners appreciate what you’re doing, you’ll break down walls to be successful. That could be a formal recognition that can take the form of giving you an opportunity to work on a committee of note, or tapping you as a speaker representing the company, or helping you find an advisory or board position.

“Or it could be more informal, by giving you recognition in a speech in front of your peers, or in an all-staff email. Those are the little things that leaders should do, but don’t do enough.”

4. Know when to leave

“People always feel like they have one more act,” Fubini says. “It’s a bit like when you are a skier traversing a field of moguls, and you keep saying: I’ll turn at the next one, or the next one, or the next one, and before you know it, you’re in the woods.

“YOUR LEGACY IS ENHANCED BY LEAVING WHEN PEOPLE ARE WANTING MORE.”

“In reality, very, very few people are wildly successful for an extended length of time. So you want to find an inflection point, where you can leave while you are at the apex, not past it—and most people miss that. Your legacy is enhanced by leaving when people are wanting more.

“One way of finding that moment is by talking to your kitchen cabinet or your life partner who is going to tell you the truth. The other clue is if you’re starting to have trouble retaining your really high-performing people, who are your natural successors, because they feel their way is blocked by you hanging around. That’s a true warning sign that maybe it’s time for you to move on and do something new.”

5. Strive for authenticity

“A lot of CEOs think they have to play a role, like an actor, and I really think that’s a failure signal,” Fubini says. “I’m a huge believer that you have to have some core beliefs that are true about yourself and hold onto them. And it comes from a centerpiece of being rooted in your values.

“It’s when you deviate from that and pretend to be something else that you fall apart. My terrific colleague Scott Snook always talks about the old scratch-and-sniff test, where you used to scratch and smell something from a magazine insert. When you are a leader, people are doing that with you all the time, assessing how credible you are. If you are faking it, people sense it very quickly—so you better live your values and be unapologetic about it.”

About the Author

Michael Blanding is a writer based in Boston.
[Image: iStockphoto/LL28]

What’s the best management advice you’ve heard?

Share your insights in the comments below.


Book Excerpt

Five Ways To Keep Connected

By David Fubini

Hidden Truths: What Leaders Need to Hear But Are Rarely Told

CEOs can slip into an isolated default mode without realizing it. Because they’re so busy and often surrounded by people, it feels as if they’re engaged and involved. Similarly, CEOs receive a stream of communication from a variety of sources, so they may not realize that they’re filtering out information they don’t want to hear by intimidating or ignoring people. And they may not admit to themselves or others how lonely or mentally exhausting the job is and try to “tough it out,” refusing to seek help from people they trust. Visit https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/harold-matzner.html.

As the previous section suggested, finding a confidante and making the company’s general counsel your best friend are two ways to counteract the isolating effects of the job. Here are five other steps you can take:

1. Fight your denial reflex. This is especially difficult if you’re a strong, authoritative leader who is reluctant to show weakness. It’s easier to soldier on and pretend you’re feeling no pain. Over time, though, CEOs pay a price for denial. They become more and more isolated, and eventually it takes a toll. Better to admit that you’re feeling drained and lonely and finding a way to manage these feelings.

2. Get off the pedestal. As CEO, people treat you differently than others; they are more reluctant to speak their minds, to tell you bad news, to disagree with your ideas. Communicate by word and deed that you’re open to all input. It’s not enough to say you want to hear bad news or that your door is always open. You really have to mean it and behave in a way that is consistent with these messages.

3. Communicate the importance of connectivity to your team. Make it clear to everyone in the C-suite that you expect openness, honesty, and trusting relationships not only of yourself but also of them—that these are shared requirements. Your people will mirror your behaviors, so recognize the value of modeling connective attitudes and actions.

4. Avoid recidivism. I’ve watched CEOs make efforts to connect for periods of time, but they then slip back into old, isolationist patterns. They don’t do this consciously, but if they’ve been traditional command-and-control leaders for many years and have been practicing connective behaviors for only a short time, they can become recidivists because of that long history. Be vigilant against returning to old habits.

5. Have the “best ears in the company.” Here’s a story that explains this last piece of advice. Bill Russell was one of the greatest players in NBA history when he played for the Boston Celtics, and his coach was the legendary Red Auerbach. In an interview with Russell, he talked about his coach and how he never really “played” for Red, since they “worked together” as a team. Russell recalled that Red would have conversations with each player, but that he tailored his style of communication to the needs of each. Despite the variation in styles, his goal was to hear what each player needed and adjust his coaching accordingly. Russell said that Red had “the best ears in the NBA.”

July 15th, 2017

Posted In: Fedora, News, Open Source, Operating Systems

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We all know that exercise is important in our daily lives, but we may not know why or what exercise can do for us.

It’s important to remember that we have evolved from nomadic ancestors who spent all their time moving around in search of food and shelter, travelling large distances on a daily basis. Our bodies are designed and have evolved to be regularly active.

In the same way that a sports car is designed to go fast, we are designed to move. If the sports car is taken out once a week for a 3 mile round trip through a town centre then it would probably develop engine problems fairly quickly. For the most healthier results while exercising take a look to these chillwell portable ac reviews.

Over time people too develop problems if they sit down all day at a desk or in front of the TV and minimise the amount of exercise they do.


The Benefits of Exercise

There are many benefits of regular exercise and maintaining fitness and these include:

  • Exercise increases energy levels

    Exercise improves both the strength and the efficiency of your cardiovascular system to get the oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.  When your cardiovascular system works better everything seems easier and you have more energy for the fun stuff in life. These are just some of the best healthy benefits that biofit probiotic provides.

  • Exercise improves muscle strength

    Staying active keeps muscles strong and joints, tendons and ligaments flexible, allowing you to move more easily and avoid injury. Strong muscles and ligaments reduce your risk of joint and lower back pain by keeping joints in proper alignment. They also improve coordination and balance. Read more about performer 8.

  • Exercise can help you to maintain a healthy weight

    The more you exercise, the more calories you burn.  In addition, the more muscle you develop, the higher your metabolic rate becomes, so you burn more calories even when you’re not exercising.  The result?  You may lose weight and look better physically which will boost your self-esteem. This is how male enhancement pills works.

  • Exercise improves brain function

    Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain. It also encourages the release of the brain chemicals (hormones) that are responsible for the production of cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that controls memory and learning.  This, in turn, boosts concentration levels and cognitive ability, and helps reduce the risk of cognitive degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

June 30th, 2015

Posted In: Fedora, News

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If you’re shopping for a pickup truck in 2018, you have a lot of great options to choose from. Most major automakers made significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency, and styling for the 2018 line of pickup trucks. Whether you are searching for strong towing capacity, great off-road capabilities, comfortable cabin or user-friendly technology, here are the five best pickup trucks that you should consider.
2018 Chevy Colorado

2018 Chevrolet Colorado: Being a mid-size pickup truck, Chevrolet has RWD or AWD configurations, three capable engines (including an available 3.6L V6 horsepower) as well as the GM-exclusive Duramax 2.8L Turbo-Diesel engine. The ZR2 model has the versatility to be a capable work trucks or dominating off-road. Colorado’s fuel economy is up to 22 city / 30 highway with horsepower between181 – 308 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds. The price range of the 2018 model is from $20,200 to $40,315. The towing capacity can haul up to 7,700 lbs. Additionally, the Colorado has innovative safety and technology feature that help keep you protected and connected everyday! This is one of the best pickup trucks that is also compatible with the new Apple CarPlay technology as well as with Android Auto.
2018 GMC Sierra

GMC Sierra 1500. If you are looking for a full-size truck, GMC Sierra 1500 model is one of the best pickup trucks available! The Sierra is a tough overall truck offering four engine options including a V6 engine with the mild hybrid powertrain as well as the two available V8 engines which are are less fuel-efficient. The 2018 Sierra 1500 gets 18 city/24 highway fuel economy with the V6 that puts out 285 horsepower.  The V8 version makes 355 horsepower and gets 16 city/23 highway MPG. Sierra offers great towing capacity that is up to 12,500 lbs. The price for this particular model ranges from minimum $29,000 to maximum $41,495. Sierra’s  0 – 60 time is 6.6 seconds. Furthermore, Sierra also has quiet and classy higher trims with spacious seating especially in the crew cab version. The technology is top notch including compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Find the best vehicles at these freightliner truck auctions.
Ford F150

2018 Ford F150. This F150 model is the best selling truck every year for a good reason. The F-150 has one of the best payload capabilities up to 3,270 lbs as well as one of the greatest towing capacity up to 13,200 lbs. The 2018 model is 700 lbs lighter than the previous generation making it more fuel efficient. The horsepower ‎on the V8 engine is up to 395 hp, fuel economy is a respectable 20 city/26 highway and towing capacity 5,000 to 8,000 lbs.  The truck is fast with a 0-60 time of just 5.9 seconds. Ford F-150 newest model also has trailer backup assist help you maneuver better when hauling or towing as well as extremely spacious seating. The price ranges from a minimum of $27,380 to maximum $63,945. The F150 capable technology package including compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Chevy Silverado

2018 Chevrolet Silverado. One of our favorite pickup trucks for 2018 is the Chevy Silverado. If you need heavy duty truck to transport cargo the fully equipped Silverado has the towing capacity of 12,500 lbs. The new Silverado 1500 also has a maximum payload up to 2,250 pounds. The Silverado 1500 offers three engine choices ranging from  285 to 420 HP.  Fuel efficiency isn’t the best offering 18 city / 24 highway and a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. The price of the Silverado ranges from $28,285 to $49,390. The powerful 6.2L V8 engine is a beast when it comes to towing. The eight-speed transmission option is preferred for towing over the standard six-speed. Additionally, the 2018 Silverado provides a well appointed cabin as well as comfortable and supportive seats with outstanding maneuverability and off-road performance. There is also a great deal of technology available for drivers to use including lane keep assisting and forward collision warning. The truck is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Ram 1500

2018 Ram 1500. Another driver-friendly truck is the new RAM 1500. If having a diesel engine is important to you then the 2018 RAM 1500 with diesel engine is a great choice.The RAM 1500 has several engine choices including the beloved diesel engine, HEMI vV8 and two V6 versions.The RAM 1500 power ranges from 240 – 395 HP. Fuel economy on the V6 RAM is an impressive 20 city / 28 highway, and goes 0-60 mph in ‎7.0 seconds. RAM offers a smooth ride, as well as one of the nicest interiors in the class.The spacious rows of seats and high tech infotainment unit are impressive. The starting price for this model is around $27,095 up to a maximum price $53,995. Towing capacity ranges from 4,140 – 10,140 lbs. RAM 1500 offers the Uconnect infotainment system that features 4G LTE mobile hotspot, HD radio as well as compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

 

January 2nd, 2014

Posted In: Fedora, News, Operating Systems

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I will relate a recent battle I had with a laptop that uses the Prism54 wireless chipset and runs Fedora 10. For quite some time, I could not get it to connect to a WPA protected network. With an open network, it would connect just fine. I didn’t bother with WEP. I wanted to find out what was causing it to fail with WPA.

This is an older eRacks CENTRINO laptop (Pentium M 1.6ghz, 1GB RAM and an 80GB hard drive.) This post will also hopefully help anyone else who has a laptop with the Prism54 chipset (mine specifically is a PrismGT mini-pci card.) Note that Prism54 is also available in PCI and USB wireless devices.

At first, I thought it might be a problem with the GNOME NetworkManager.  So, I tried other methods of connecting, such as using the command line (for iwconfig/ifconfig), wicd, Wireless Assistant and WiFi Radar. Some of these seem to work better than others, but again, none would allow me to connect to my WPA protected network at home. Thus, it was time to dig deeper.

After some sifting through forum posts, blogs, and bugzilla, I finally came across something that might help. Apparently, the prism54 drivers have several different modules that are loaded. For some reason, there is a module (prism54), which might be an older version of the complete set, and then there are other separate ones: p54common, p54pci and p54usb. So in my case, it was loading prism54, p54common, and p54pci. According to what I have read, the prism54 module causes conflicts with the newer p54common and p54pci set. The suggestion for now is to add prism54 to the module blacklist, located in /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist. You add the following entry at the bottom:

blacklist prism54

Once I did this and restarted networking, I could connect to my WPA-protected network using the default GNOME NetworkManager. All is well again in WiFi land.

Hopefully, this little jaunt with prism54 will be able to help someone else.

March 13th, 2009

Posted In: How-To, Laptop cookbooks

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