There are certain things in life that are as predictable as a British summer rainstorm. Politicians dodging questions, the price of avocados mysteriously skyrocketing, and the inevitable moment when a CEO decides they're going to be “relatable.”
Now, we all know that the average CEO lives in a world far removed from the rest of us. They have private jets, vacation homes in the Algarve, and more tailored suits than James Bond’s wardrobe. But every so often, one of these corporate titans decides to descend from their penthouse office to mingle with us mere mortals.
The result? A spectacle so awkward it could win a BAFTA.
The Awkward Attempt at Humour
Let’s dive right into the deep end with the corporate email. You know the type; it starts with a joke so cringeworthy that even your dad would roll his eyes.
Picture this: an email from the CEO trying to boost morale, opening with:
“Why did the employee bring a ladder to work? Because they wanted to get to the next level!”
Laughter? No. Eye-rolls and a few groans? Absolutely.
It’s like watching a stand-up comedian bomb on stage, except the audience is full of people who are contractually obliged to nod and smile (or at least pretend to).
The Overly Staged ‘Casual’ Office Visit
Then there’s the infamous “surprise” visit to the office floor, where the CEO tries to blend in with the herd.
Perhaps they swap their usual uniform of silk ties and Italian loafers for a pair of jeans and a polo shirt, as if that will somehow convince everyone that they, too, understand the struggle of a jammed photocopier.
They wander around shaking hands, patting backs, and dropping buzzwords like “synergy” and “game-changer,” while desperately trying to remember the names of anyone not on the executive team.
It’s the corporate equivalent of a royal walkabout, except no one's lining up to meet them, and there’s not a corgi in sight.
The Misjudged Social Media Post
And then we have the social media post. A platform where a CEO can really show how in touch they are with the world—or at least, they’d like to think so.
Picture a selfie of them in the company canteen, captioned with:
"Grabbing a bite with the team! #LunchLikeUs #Grateful"
Except the photo reveals that they’re eating a quinoa salad while everyone else is trying to reheat yesterday’s lasagne in a microwave that hasn’t been cleaned since the Thatcher era.
It’s supposed to convey camaraderie, but all it does is highlight the fact that they probably have a personal chef waiting to whip up a soufflé the moment they leave the building.
The Attempt to ‘Get Down with the Kids’
Remember when your parents attempted to use the latest slang, and it was so painful you pretended not to know them in public?
Well, CEOs have a similar urge when they try to connect with their younger employees.
Imagine a company meeting where the CEO, with all the enthusiasm of a golden retriever at a ball pit, exclaims:
"We’re going to crush it this quarter, fam!"
The room falls silent, everyone exchanging awkward glances while internally screaming. It’s like watching your granddad try to dance at a wedding—endearing, but please, just stop.
Why It All Matters
While these efforts are often cringe-worthy, they’re rooted in something genuine. CEOs want to bridge the gap, humanize their position, and relate to their employees. But the truth is, you can’t fake relatability.
The key to being truly relatable isn’t in pretending to be something you’re not. It’s in listening, engaging honestly, and understanding the day-to-day challenges of your workforce. People respect authenticity, not awkward attempts at blending in.
Need to Recruit Someone Who Just Gets It?
If you're tired of CEOs trying to be relatable and failing spectacularly, focus on building a team that genuinely understands the art of connection.
At Coburg Banks, we specialize in finding leaders who don’t just talk the talk, but actually walk the walk.
So, if you’re looking for relatable professionals who can inspire without making you cringe, get in touch.
We promise, no awkward jokes or forced hashtags necessary.
