Day 2: CEOs are tiny babies

Many powerful people are tiny little babies. (We all are, but seeking and occupying a position of power makes you extra vulnerable.)

• Everybody watches what you do and say.
• People are sensitive to your moods, but not to your struggles.
• It's a lonely life, with few or no true peers.
• You're surrounded by people gassing you up.
• You are not buddies with these people. They have to laugh at your jokes.
• Your words and actions carry gravitas and people are nervous around you. You're not aware of it half the time.
• You did all this to prove how good you were and it hasn't quite filled the hole.
• Every thought bubble has the potential to become a major initiative, just because you opened your mouth... and that's not good for anyone.

To get the respect of a powerful person, don't buy into the hype. Tell them what they need to hear, not what they want to hear, and they'll appreciate you for it.

Or, they'll fire you / restructure you out of a job.

Merry Christmas.

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