One of the very few TV shows I watch is Undercover Boss. Each week, Undercover Boss follow different executives as they leave the comforts of their plush corner offices for an undercover mission to examine the inner workings of their companies. While working alongside their employees, they see the effects that their decisions have on others, where the problems lie within their organizations, and get an up-close look at both the good and the bad while discovering the unsung heroes. They soon realize that these people are real, with real problems and real struggles. It’s easy to dictate policy from their office, but many times the everyday people have great ideas to help their businesses succeed.

From the very first time I watched this show, the same recurring thought came to mind. When the company’s CEO can put a wig on, disguise himself and go to work as the new guy and no one recognizes the CEO … REALLY? That’s unbelievable! No wonder this company is doing so poorly, they need help! Most of the CEOs are well-educated, experienced managers. They don’t need to make a few changes, the CEO needs to learn some interpersonal relationship skills! In other words, feel comfortable talking with everyone in the company.

Why is it so important that everyone know the company’s CEO? The CEO SETS the vision, direction and the future path of the company. The CEO SELLS the vision, direction and the future path. If the CEO can’t sell it, then the CEO needs to find someone who can teach him how to sell it! If the CEO doesn’t know the vision, direction and future of your company, or your employees don’t know the vision, direction and future of your company, then what direction is your company headed in? What are the company’s goals? What are the company’s strategic plans? Who’s on first, what’s on second, I don’t know who’s on third!

Maybe it’s time to define and communicate your company’s goals, vision and plans!

Communication is KING! As leaders you need to be engaged with each and every one of your employees. If you have multiple offices or locations, you need to visit each and every one of them as often as you can. You’ll NEVER see a successful company on Undercover Boss. Why? Because the CEO is engaged, the message is communicated clearly, and the vision of the company is clear and well defined to each and every employee.

Let’s go out on a limb and say that you would like to hear the truth of what your employees think about the job your doing as CEO. Here’s the question—are you sure you’re ready for what your employees are thinking, and feeling? Chances are, your employees have better ideas than you do. Are you (or your ego) equipped to handle that? Are you ready to implement someone else’s ideas and suggestions? If not don’t start now; just keep doing the same thing you’ve been doing, and expect the same results you’ve been getting.

However, if you’re looking for different results, you have to change what you’ve been doing.

Because RESULTS are the name of the game!