Ceos Get Hands-On: Lessons Learned from Going Undercover
CEOs at top companies have realized the importance of getting back to the shop floor to truly understand their businesses. By going undercover, these leaders have gained valuable insights into their operations.
Lessons from Laxman Narasimhan and Brian Chesky
- Laxman Narasimhan, while running Starbucks, worked as a barista to get a firsthand experience of the business.
- Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky took on the role of a host to better understand the customer experience.
- Both CEOs learned invaluable lessons from their time spent undercover.
When Kelly Ortberg became Boeing CEO, he emphasized the importance of leaders being present on the factory floor to connect with their employees and operations.
The Benefits of Time on the Shop Floor
Executives who regularly engage with frontline operations gain a deeper understanding of their business and are better equipped to address challenges.
By going undercover and discreetly serving customers or experiencing their services firsthand, CEOs have uncovered key insights that have helped them improve their businesses.
