How CEOs are listening to their employees

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal indicates that an "open inbox" policy is becoming quite common in many organizations. CEOs are making a commitment to read each and every e-mail that they receive from employees.

This is a great way to not only boost morale among employees, but also make a connection that was missing in a traditional top-down organizational structure. It is a great way as well to model the importance of listening to mid-level leaders in the organization.

Can anybody see a downfall with this? Actually, the article points it out nicely: The CEO of Cinergy says that he keeps his blackberry right next to his bed. Before going to sleep, he says, "you don't say your prayers. You check your e-mail."

OK, so making the commitment to read, and perhaps respond to, each e-mail is taking over some CEOs lives and skewing priorities. There are probably some who handle it quite nicely as well. But the willingness for CEOs to listen to anyone in the organization (a la Max Depree) is certainly a reflection of servant-leadership principles in action; and a bit of positive leadership news coming out of business that is much needed.