How Not to Piss Off Your CEO

We've all done things that irritate or even enrage our spouses, our friends, and our coworkers. But you might think twice before you piss off your CEO. I know, that sounds like an obvious thing to say. But any good manager knows that there are times when you need to hit someone right between the eyes so they get it, and not only is the CEO no exception, but they can be the most stubborn people on the planet.

And let's be honest - they're adults and they can take it, right? More importantly, they may really need to hear what you've got to say. You know there are way too many sugar-coating yes-people in the executive ranks and too few managers who are confident and willing to put the interests of the company ahead of their own.

Still, some CEOs can be more sensitive and fragile than you think. This may surprise you, but oftentimes, a big ego and a powerful need to perform masks underlying feelings of inferiority and powerlessness. And believe me, you don't want to get in the middle of that internal battle.

So here are Five ways not to piss off your CEO. As usual, they're autobiographical. No, I'm not self-destructive. I've just been around a long time and I like to push the envelope. Also, as a member of the executive management team, I usually had a pretty long-standing relationship with the CEO. In any case, the point is don't try this stuff on your own.

1. Never, ever say trust me. Honestly, I have no idea why, but "trust me" is the one phrase that seems to be universally hated by all CEOs. And they especially hate it when marketing people say it. Maybe that's because they don't (trust you, or too many others, for that matter).
2. Don't critique him (or her) in front of others. I know, a sort of no-brainer, but I mean not even about small stuff or in a light-hearted way, especially when he's not prepared for it. Even if you're an expert and you're supposed to be coaching him, make sure he's prepared ahead of time and okays it.
3. Don't threaten him. I mean in any shape or form, in public or private. Steer clear of any sentence that goes like this, "If you do that, then I'm going to --"
4. Ask him what he means. When they begin to get angry or agitated, most CEOs just want their concerns to be understood. Oftentimes, managers are so put off by the emotion that they ignore it or move on when what they should really do is get to the bottom of it by asking questions.
5. No big hairy surprises in executive or board meetings. That goes without saying. It's just plain stupid. That's the only one I've never done, but I've seen others do it and it isn't pretty. If you want to hit him between the eyes, at least do it in private.

Also check out: Five Classic Boardroom Mistakes.