What the CEO Thinks In the face of a
slowing economy and pressures on budgets, chief executive officers, when asked
about their security operations, say it is most important that the chief security
officer (CSO) execute his or her plan effectively and also protect the
reputation of the enterprise.
An Ear for Listening Dad was waiting in the
parking lot at the usual time. As the
basketball players left the gym, he noticed his 10-year-old’s head hanging
low. When his son jumped in the car, and
slammed the door, the father asked, “How was practice?” The boy replied, “I hate my coach.” This kind of response did not sit well with
Dad. Three thoughts rushed to his head,
all fighting to be delivered in a correcting tone. First, “I’ve taught you not to speak so disrespectfully
about any coach or adult.” Second, “Are
you kidding? This guy is a great coach –
one of the best!” Third, “Do you have
any idea how hard I worked to make sure you were placed on this guy’s
team?” For some reason, Dad chose not to
speak any of those condemning thoughts, and instead three words came out of his
mouth, perhaps three of the best words he’d ever accidentally said: “Tell me
more.”