Questions Managers Tend to Ask
the New CEO

From April 2003 HR Magazine Main article: Forging a Relationship Questions Managers Tend to Ask the New CEO Why CEOs Fall: The Causes and Consequences of Turnover at the Top, 2002 (External Link, PDF File. Source: Booz Allen Hamilton) CEO Turnover and Job Security, Sept. 2002 (External Link, PDF File. Source: Drake Beam Morin) April 2003 HR Magazine

What is your number-one priority in the next six months? What are your personal career goals? --What do you expect of me? --What are your productivity goals? What is your definition of a top performer? How do you plan to measure my productivity? How will I know if my performance displeases you? Are you willing to take risks and to what degree? How far down do you intend to push decision-making? What should I do if I think you are making a mistake? Do you have a negotiation period after you make a decision? If so, how should I approach you? How can I tell if something is important to you? How often do you want to see me for updates and information? How do you express satisfaction? How do you handle conflict? What do you do if you become angry? Do you have any idiosyncrasies that I should know about? What are the ground rules for calling you at home? What are your strong points and weak points? Do you have strong feelings about any moral or ethical issues? What should I do if I feel my work puts me in an ethical bind? Do you accept rough drafts, or should everything be in final form? Do you expect written status reports? How much do you want to know about a problem? When during the day do you prefer to get information? How much social interaction do you want me to have with you? How should I address you? — Robert J. Grossman