60-Minute CEO: Mastering Leadership an Hour at a Time

Chapter 30

The Last to Know

It’s lonely at the top.” We’ve heard that characterization so many times that we don’t even bother to question its wisdom. Furthermore, we accept it, because for far too many of us it’s true. But for a fortunate few, it isn’t.

CEOs in this latter category feel something different. They embrace warmth and protection from a position as centerpiece of a community of alignment, optimism, and well-being. It’s the exact opposite of the anxiety lived by those of us who stand in the buffer zone between our organizations and the parties with financial interests in the business, who are never quite satisfied with the outcomes ...