CEOs like to lead or be led. Design for both.

observation — attributed to Xavier Mufraggi

The first time Mufraggi moderated a YPO forum, a member told him: as CEOs, we like to lead or to be led. The line stayed with him because it explains a behavior that confuses most forum facilitators. CEOs do not want to occupy the middle. They will either drive the conversation or fully receive it. Forum design that asks them to participate equally as one voice among many produces friction. Forum design that gives them clear moments to lead and clear moments to receive produces engagement. The format has to accommodate the temperament, not fight it.

For peer community designers and forum facilitators working with senior executives. The observation is also useful as a corrective for facilitators trained on more egalitarian formats.

ceo-dynamics, leadership-temperament, forum-design, ego