Why CEOs botch media interviews—and ways you can help them
Communication is not always the primary fuel rocketing a professional to the top-floor corner office, so thoughtful preparation is essential. Consider these five common liabilities.
It seems not a week goes by that we don’t hear of one CEO or another taking heat for something they’ve said.
With all the business acumen many have demonstrated in leading their businesses, you would think being a company spokesperson would be a no-brainer, yet many CEOs don’t have the skills to be an effective voice for their brand.
Sure, they can lead a challenging board meeting, but when it comes to delivering the quote when it counts, far too many fail. The reasons rest at the top and with those surrounding the CEO:
1. Many CEOs lack a spokesperson mindset. Learning how to nail an interview or a difficult discussion starts with having the right mindset. Too many top-tier leaders feel a lack of control during interviews. Still, reporters can only point you in a direction, and you must choose whether to follow them, or take the lead and guide the conversation. If you don’t have the right mindset, you could deliver an unintended—and unfortunate—quote.
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