Tag Archives: Happy

Is Burning the Candle at Both Ends Doing Harm or Creating the Legend? Four Points

Situation: A CEO fills nearly every minute of the day with activity. All are meaningful, and he enjoys the contribution that is made to each. Many activities involve his children and activities important to members of his family. However, because he asks the question there is something that is nagging at him. Is burning the candle at both ends doing harm or creating the legend?

Advice from the CEOs:

  • The priority is a positive, healthy lifestyle. Two answers to the group’s questions are in conflict with this.
    • Four to five hours of sleep at night is not enough to sustain the current level of activity.
    • Medical studies indicate that while some people can get along on 6 hours of sleep per night, most need 7-8. Those who get less than 6 hours on a regular basis are taxing their bodies as well as their psyches
  • What does your family think? Are there messages or hints indicating that too much is being taken on or that there isn’t enough time for them. If so, there may be too much on your plate.
    • The one person who does not seem to fit into the lifestyle described is your spouse. This individual needs attention – on a regular basis, not on a once-per-week evening out. Comments about too much activity are more likely a request for more quality time.
    • Given the importance of this relationship, not just currently but looking out 10-20 years, this indicates a need to reallocate proprieties.
  • Do what makes you happy. Each of us is the only person who can really monitor our activities, so each of us must set the metrics.
  • Create some monitors to assure that you are not over committing and that you are giving sufficient time to rest and your wife. After all, this is a marathon. It makes no sense to burn out in the first mile!

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How Do You Strike a Healthy Work/Life Balance? Three Points

Situation: A CEO fills nearly every minute of the day with activities. All these meaningful to him and the company, and he enjoys the contribution that he is making. However, he fears that he is beginning to burn out. Is burning the candle at both ends doing harm or creating the legend? How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?

Advice from the CEOs:

  • We are best at what makes us happy. We are the only individuals who can really monitor our activities, so we must set both our own priorities and the metrics.
  • The priority is a positive, healthy lifestyle. What may be getting in the way?
    • Getting enough sleep. Medical studies indicate that while some people can get along on 6 hours of sleep per night, most need 7-8. Those who get less than 6 hours on a regular basis are taxing their bodies as well as their psyches. Are you are not getting enough sleep to sustain your current level of activity? Is the recovery time from strenuous activity increasing? If so, your body is telling you something!
    • Quality time with significant others. Are you spending enough quality time with your spouse and children? On a regular basis, not on a once-per-week evening out. Is your family receiving the time and attention that they need, or are they sending signals that they need more? Given the importance of these relationships, not just now but looking out 10-20 years, perhaps it is necessary to reallocate proprieties.
  • Create monitors to assure that you are not over committing and that you are giving sufficient time to rest and your family. After all, this is a marathon. You don’t want to burn out in the first mile!

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How Do You Generate Growth? Three Options

Situation: A company faces three options to generate growth. The CEO wants to pursue a path that keeps employees happy and rewards them for their efforts on behalf of the company. What are the trade-offs between the options and the potential impact on employees? How do you generate growth?

Advice from the CEOs:

  • There are three options to generate growth – continuing organic growth, accelerating growth through a merger, or by being acquired. These options are not mutually exclusive. The company may pursue more than one.
  • Organic growth can be accelerated by hiring an individual who’s focus will be company growth. The offer may include a minor equity position that is non-dilutive to current employee-owners, with vesting two or more years out.
    • It is important that top staff and key employees are comfortable with the person before finalizing any offer.
    • The message to current owners: “This person will drive this business with X expectations for results. The ownership position is contingent on delivery of anticipated results. Is this works as we anticipate, it is a win for all owners.”
    • Have a buy-back agreement as part of the employment contract should the individual leave. This should guarantee the company the right to repurchase any shares at an agreed price in the case of a separation.
  • The CEO has been approached by another company interested in a merger.
    • Is the value of this option increased or decreased by hiring the person described above?
    • Should the merger option still make sense, calculate a merger split that makes sense to current owners and see whether the merger partner will accept this. If not, find an excuse to drop or defer the merger discussion.
  • The CEO has also been approached by a potential acquirer. This could expand the market position of the combined companies, provide additional opportunity for current employees, and a cash payoff for current owners.
    • Talk to the other owners. Does this option meet personal financial and professional targets? What about personal needs to stay involved in business?
    • Once these discussions are completed, tell the potential acquirer what you want and need from the deal. They may agree!

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