Why the Strongest CEOs are Only Human

Last week I ran into two individuals at The New York Enterprise Report Best Accountants & Attorneys event. Of those in attendance, both of these gentlemen are worth anyone’s admiration.

Norm Brodsky is not only a successful business man, he is also a best selling author of The Knack and a regular contributor to Inc. magazine with his column "Street Smarts." Just before he got up to address the audience at Workshop in Business Opportunities (WIBO)’s Annual Awards Event, a cap on one of his front teeth fell out. He could have feigned illness and left quickly, but instead he chose to stand up and make the best of it.

My admiration for this man quickly magnified. He not only shared his challenge but wove it beautifully into demonstrating the meaning in his speech and sprinkled in humor fueled by humility. This made him more lovable to the audience and was a picture perfect example of Grace Under Fire. I was never more motivated than I was that evening. I knew right then and there that what was important to this man was not how he was perceived, but what he contributed. This is someone I want to learn from – this is someone I admire and could trust.

A little later that same evening I ran into another individual whom I admire and respect, Matt Weiss. Matt is a successful lawyer who has embraced social media. I believe initially he engaged social media to grow his business, and as a leader in EO (Entrepreneurs Organization) to connect, share, and learn. Matt blogs regularly and some of his posts were inspired by being a father (getting to movies like "Toy Story 3" and making the connection to best business practices), and a more controversial post on getting a colonoscopy. Both posts demonstrate fresh thinking and a commitment to being true to himself.

A lawyer discussing a child’s movie and a medical procedure might seem unprofessional to some, but these posts earn him greater respect and admiration. When you decide on who you would want as your lawyer, having someone who communicates that they are in touch with the same world we live in and is open to share challenges in a positive light; well this would be my lawyer of choice.

Why? He demonstrates two key characteristics through his blog posts. First he ‘gets it’ and isn’t that nine-tenths the challenge when we want to communicate an issue or concern and second he reveals himself with honor and integrity.

Now, if only I needed a lawyer.

If you are a CEO or entrepreneur who is in hiding from the world or keeps their company under the digital radar, the only question that comes to mind is just what are you hiding? Are your services or products sub par? Is your company being run poorly? Are you the type of person only your mother could love?

No company is perfect and no human beyond reproach. So if you are committed to being a good business citizen and have some redeeming qualities, you might want to share those so that when there is a mistake or a problem you have a platform to move through it and earn back what ever you may have lost or are at risk of losing.

Get on board, be real, be transparent and lead the way.