Have CEOs Lost the Plot?

"CEOs are struggling to find their footing these days. Their role seemed clearer during Covid, when many executives rose to the challenge of becoming inspirational figures. They led their businesses while guiding their employees through a challenging shared experience. That was the case as well for many U.S. CEOs in 2020 when George Floyd's murder shocked the nation, and employees looked to their leaders for guidance and assurance."

"The past year has seen a backlash against this form of empathetic leadership. That's been especially true in the field of DEI, where even many diversity champions would acknowledge executional flaws. The Trump administration's tendency to go after its critics has further prompted many leaders to avoid inserting themselves into social or political issues."

"You need to get out there with your teams and get out there with your customers. If you want to inspire people, they need to see your humanity."

Bill George, former Medtronic CEO and Harvard Business School professor, warns that many CEOs have lost their way in authentic leadership. During COVID-19 and the 2020 social upheaval, executives successfully demonstrated empathetic, inspirational leadership that guided employees through shared challenges. However, backlash against DEI initiatives and political pressures from the current administration have prompted leaders to become excessively cautious. Many CEOs now retreat into narrow administrative duties—attending meetings and managing email—rather than engaging meaningfully with employees and customers. George argues this approach undermines effectiveness. He advocates for CEOs to reconnect with their humanity and purpose-driven missions, emphasizing that inspiring leadership requires visible presence and genuine human connection with teams and customers.

Read at Harvard Business Review