Why do CEO's make so damn much money? Do they really work so hard or don't their secretaries do most of it?

They are way over-rated

It's like anything else in life--some are worth the money, a lot are not. Secretaries typically do a LOT of the work for any boss and anyone who doesn't value his secretary is an idiot. Having said that, the "paperwork" aspects, making appointments, soothing peoples' feelings, etc. while essential are NOT the full aspect of an actual CEO (I'm thinking a company of size here--not a couple dozen folks who may use the term CEO nonetheless) position.

A real CEO should have a vision, a direction, for the company. He should look at whether to expand--new locations, new markets, new products or sell-off some aspects of the business, lay-off folks, close plants, etc.

He is there to decide about new hires, promotions, firings. He should be paying attention to the company's PR, rep, stock, competition, etc. He is supposed to be on top of financials--everyone's following the law, the reports are filed, their pensions are solid, their investments good, etc. He should be providing some motivation and feedback for employees. He should be up-to-date on what's happening in the pertinent industry/ies. He should be networking. He should be growing the company, keeping turnover low, keeping customers happy, getting new customers, being a good corporate citizen where ever located--goodwill and rep are important.

Having said that, I think in the States most of them are overpaid because I think too much "auto-pilot" is going on (or else a lot of mediocrity). I also do NOT buy the argument you have to pour multi-millions in salary on them as well as millions in bonuses, etc. Part of the reason why is that we pay our military personnel next to nothing and they get very little respect from the public, but I think MANY a company would benefit from getting someone who has real military experience in there--like a sergeant or captain who could clean up a lot of BS and do some real strategic thinking. In other words, the aspects of actual leadership, instead of chair warming, coupled with PRACTICAL experience in getting what needs to be done, done, is frequently done better by military personnel. They have REAL hardships compared to what typical CEOs face. Of course, a lot of military probably wouldn't want the job of some of these pointless, mediocre companies out there.

Actually, while the work CEOs appear to do isn't hard, it's really 'Stressful'. They have to make decisions and set plans which can make or break their companies future - and the finacial futures of all who work there and satisfaction all of their customers.

My question would be "Why do Baseball Players make so damn much money?" (Or Football players, or Singers, or Actors, ...) The job they do (or don't do) has no financial impact on the lives of millions of people (except those who pay way too much to see the games, movies, etc)

I'm just an old retired traveling salesman, not a former superstar or CEO. And am curious why we never hear criticism the slaries of the media stars, just the CEOs.

Most CEOs of performing companies are high achievers with good track records to help companies to achieve their goals and targets and to make good profits. And it is only right that they are properly rewarded.
A good CEO is one who can manage people professionally. To get people to act, they need to be motivated internally. He needs to communicate the benefits of a vision of an exciting future and address what is in it for their people. He will also need the assistance of a good internal communicator to listen and understand the needs of the staff. To come up with a clear internal communication strategy. Because what is important to the company must be important to the staff. If staff have a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm and energy when dealing with customers etc., they need the support of an professional CEO to motivate and reward them.And to create a conducive workplace. To make work itself as first reward and money second. This makes perfect sense, because the company has to achieve its goals and targets first before it has more money to reward people.

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