As the New Year approaches, it tends to be the time when people start to think about new goals, and how they might want to do some things differently going forward. As CEO, it’s a good time to check in and see what really matters with your employees. We have some valuable insight that might be helpful.

“Big Deals” Employees Wish CEOs Knew:

1. You don’t communicate as often or effectively as you think you do.
2. It’s important you think we’re doing a good job—and that you tell us.
3. If you’re asking us to do a job we’ve never done before, provide the support we need to be successful.
4. We have interests and commitments outside the office. Respect us enough to get the work done while allowing flexibility to attend to other things that are important. It makes us want to do our best for you.
5. Five or more priorities aren’t priorities. They become multiple areas receiving marginal effectiveness. Pick three. Tops. Then stick to them so we have a chance to see the work through to the end.
6. Every time we hear “strategic plan” we think about what to have for dinner, or that we should go to the gym, or 3,600 other things. Strategic plan means nothing until you help us understand our impact on it.
7. You and the other executive leaders—get on the same page. Please.
8. Driving top dollar for our shareholders is NOT a mission. Trust us. It’s not why we get up and come to work each day.
9. We think about what we earn. A lot. And a 3% raise… is not a raise.
10. There is value in hearing from those on the front line. If you aren’t talking to us, you’re missing out on innovative ideas that could be good for the company.

Are there areas you can improve on as a leader in the coming year? The Bailey Group makes great accountability partners to help you move further, faster.