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Don't even think of going to HR or anyone for that matter in these types of situations.
Just answer best you can, take the stairs as mentioned above, deal with it, or look for another job.
Nothing illegal or bad about the CEO's question or line of thought at all.
Well, I agree in theory. If my CEO did that I wouldn't worry and I would be able to respond. But, I work in a customer facing role where critical thinking and communication skills, as well as thinking on your feet, are important.
I think the question serves to do little more than test how well you are at thinking and responding under fire.
Pamela in billing might not be that way and get really flustered, even though she is able to quickly resolve and credit customer billing disputes, and flies through her work, and is generally an asset to the company.
Some over sensitive people out there getting all riled up over a CEO asking a legit question.
Makes you wonder about all these people claiming bullying and abuse in the workplace. Seems more like the manager didn't gives you kisses on the cheek and tell you what a wonderful worker you are.
No wonder our country isn't as competitive anymore in the workforce, school, etc. People softer and more sensitive than a hot fudge sundae under a midday sun.
If you can't tell your CEO why you think you or your work is special, then better start working on that instead of posting on CD during company time.
Not quite, it depends on the CEO, is this guy a pompous jerk or is he like the guy who was CEO of Southwest Airlines who join the baggage handlers loading up luggage.
And after you answer his question, he should be open to him telling you what makes him so special to the company.
They put their pants on one leg at a time like everyone else.
The CEO of the company I work for is very demanding of his staff. Only the strong survive but if you do a great job you are rewarded handsomely. Great pay, perks and incredible offices.
Recently they have been talk around the office of the dreaded elevator question: "What makes your work special?"
Q. What makes your work special?
A. Great pay, perks and incredible offices.
Or don't dance the elevator dance. Tell your CEO you would *love* to talk about your work and what makes you feel proud, but that it will take 15 minutes, and if she/he can spare that time, you will set up something on their calendar. You can even add that this will be a great opportunity for you to get feedback on your work and make improvements.
Here's my two humble cents. Don't be afraid and think that you are doing work that is not deemed "worthy" enough in the eyes of the CEO or anyone else senior. Turn the thing on its head instead. Instead of thinking of these kind of situations as an interrogation session, look at it as a learning and development opportunity. And tell them boldly and loudly that you want to learn and improve.
In most cases, CEOs and senior leaders don't just want good performers (yes, they do of course). But they also want people who are bold and confident, take initiative, and most importantly, are always trying to get feedback and improve the level of their performance.
Deep down, all of us feel unworthy. In fact, in many cases, the skilled and competent feel equally unworthy. After all, it is self-awareness and awareness of one's weakness that gets people to improve their game over time. But projecting confidence and strength is vital even if you feel weak and under-confident inside. Not saying you have to be a bull****ter or a loudmouth. But just projecting the behavior also makes you confident and inspired in the long run.
Also, this reminded me of a "very rewarding" boss from 2001 or 2002 I believe. He bought every single employee at his company a BMW convertible. 28 of them, I believe.
CEO asks employee holding a box of personal belongings being escorted out by security in the elevator: "Aren't you ever going to run out of screen names?"
I'd love to get the chance to answer that question. Top dog I'm not worried about, most of the ones I've had the chance to work under really wanted to know. It's the gaggle of "yes men" managers and brown nosers who want to curry favor you have to worry about. They are seldom willing to speak the truth to power and will see you as a threat to their position.
The CEO of the company I work for is very demanding of his staff. Only the strong survive but if you do a great job you are rewarded handsomely. Great pay, perks and incredible offices.
Recently they have been talk around the office of the dreaded elevator question: "What makes your work special?"
Is this a fair question for a white collar professional working in one of the top employers in the area? Would you have an answer?
Well, in the fantasyland of this "employer", I'd probably run to the HR-DIR to complain about being blackballed by the high power executive that wouldn't acknowledge me, forcing me to Retire Now. But that would be Just Conversation I'd be having with Spock before finding out it was just Not Likable. That would be my post.
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