What should be the relationship between the CEO and the team's employees [COMPANY CULTURE SETTING]
What I like about tech culture or marketing is that it tends to be more relaxed. At least in my experience, I’ve always had a very open and friendly relationship with CEOs.
But the bigger the company, the more “distant” the CEO tends to be from the team members.
(For example, it’s much easier to remember everyone’s name in a flat structure with 14 people than in a large corporation where a manager manages a manager who manages someone else and has dozens of people under them. You get me.)
How do you "nurture" and "raise" your company culture?
Do you prefer a formal or an informal – friendly – approach?
(And if you lean towards an informal approach, how does a manager build authority within their team?)
Would love to hear your approach and reasoning.
Replies
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BTW, my personal opinion is that the best way to build authority/respect is to have the most knowledge and results based on them.
Probably cause I mostly worked in startup places, but:
I always had the luck to be close to the CEO (often as first line)
in the team I'm leading I'm always informal, encouraging also a fun/playful side of work
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@lucachp The privilege to be close to the CEO applies to me as well. The best thing is to be in the business/startup from the early beginning (so you also have a chance to probe many roles and learn many things along the way) :)
@busmark_w_nika
I believe that while hierarchy has its importance in defining direct lines of reporting and clear go-to persons, it's in the relaxed and open cultural settings where I've witnessed the true thriving of success, creativity, and communication. Building an environment where ideas flow freely and everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives leads to innovative breakthroughs and enriched team dynamics.
As organizations grow, I've noticed an encouraging trend of CEOs making intentional efforts to remain connected and approachable—popping in to say "Hi" or joining team gatherings to maintain that vital human connection. This kind of visible leadership helps bridge the natural distances that scalability might create.
Moreover, the role of the manager becomes pivotal in such settings. Rather than relying solely on the hierarchy, a manager earns respect and authority by consistently setting an example and showcasing expertise. It's this competency and leading by example that positions them as the primary point of reference and support within the team, complementing the accessibility of leadership.
In conclusion, while structure is essential, cultivating a relaxed, approachable culture where expertise is valued and communication is open can lead to a more cohesive, innovative, and successful organization. Would love to hear others' thoughts on balancing hierarchy with openness!
P.S.: Totally, my views. :)
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@kamleshng thank you for sharing your extensive POV :)