CEOs know that one of their primary responsibilities is to spend time on a regular basis on the big picture.  When we set aside time to “meet with ourselves,” this thinking time is often hijacked by day-to-day operations and fires.  Even when we do have that time, it is often difficult to brainstorm and think “outside of the box” alone – this is difficult work, after all.  If we include others in our process too early, they can get confused thinking the brainstormed idea is ready for action.
How do we have big thoughts and vet them enough to decide whether it is ready to kick around with others inside the company?
CEOs need each other to share experiences, goals and ideas to fulfill this important “thinking” part of our role.  Every month since July, I have prioritized crossing the Atchafalaya basin to take the time to think with other business owners in my early morning CEO Roundtable meeting in Baton Rouge. Building new relationships with this peer group has expanded my perspective, and I believe will help me make more efficient and effective decisions for my business.
CEOs all across the state have the opportunity to apply for similar roundtables sponsored by Louisiana Economic Development. Â I am honored to have been selected to facilitate the Acadiana CEO Roundtable. Â As a professional facilitator, I am passionate about providing an experience that engages and fulfills the needs of each participant and strikes the right balance between facilitated conversation, introducing new ideas for learning and individual planning.
To learn more about applying for the Roundtable, please visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.
About the Author:
 Elise M. Bouchner, JD, PHR, CPF, is a managing partner at Excelerant. She can be reached via email at elise@exexp.com or by phone at 337-344-4573.