Should the CEO keep asking for my help?

January 2008

"How much time should an investor devote to a company? I'm on the board of a young company and I want them to do well. But the CEO is on the phone to me two or three times a day for advice. Help!"

Mike: This could be a simple issue of management style. Some executives spend a lot of time building consensus, collecting opinions from knowledgeable people, and trying out ideas on anyone who offers useful feedback. If you don't have time to be part of the CEO's inner circle of advisors, just say so--he probably won't mind.

But the endless phone calls could also be a sign that the CEO is feeling lost at sea, afraid to make any decisions at all. Since you're a board member, he may feel that your approval will provide cover if he screws up. In that case, you might want to talk with your fellow board members about whether he's the right person to be leading the company.

Should I take a personality test?

November 2007

"I've been told to take a personality test by a company that's interviewing me for a controller position. Should I refuse?  It seems like an invasion of my privacy."

Mike: If you really hate personality tests, talk to the person who's interviewing you. It's possible the test is just a formality, and the hiring decision will be based mostly on your credentials and one-on-one interviews. But be prepared to be dropped from consideration--by refusing to take the test, you'll probably raise questions about your willingness to cooperate on more substantive issues.

In any case, most personality tests--in particular, the widely-used Meyers Briggs Type Indicator--are primarily used to confirm how you'll fit with other people at the company. The test will probably assess how you make decisions, deal with the outer world, take in information, and focus your attention (extravert of introvert). There are no right or wrong answers, no pass-fail scores. The goal is simply to reduce friction and miscommunication among team members, which should make the company a better place to work.

You should also ask the company to provide you with a summary of the results and analysis. You might find some interesting insights into your own working style--for better or worse!