Apr 7
The Partner CMO
The Partner CMO stems from a fundamental belief I have that Marketing can be a secret weapon for any business, when it is done in a collaborative and inclusive manner – Marketing with you and not to you.Too often, we hear about the “Rock Star” CMOs who average 22 months in position. Their exploits are chronicled in magazines, books, conferences, etc. Many of their accomplishments have advanced the profession of Marketing, but I would also say, they have lowered the expectations of many. Can a CMO last in a role longer than 22 months? Can they be seen as a partner on the executive team vs. the savior of the business?
We hear less about those CMOs who work quietly and effectively to build coalitions, focus on growing the business (vs. changing the logo), and lead from a genuine spirit of inclusiveness and strength. They simply don’t generate the headlines in Advertising Age, Brandweek, Fortune, or The Wall Street Journal.
Being a partner is how I lead as a Marketing professional and I know there are many others out there just like me. This blog will cover topics from a variety of areas where I have interest or experience and I look forward to hearing your comment.
It is interesting that most of us expect the CMO to behave like a “Rock Star”, in which the “Rock Star” character and behaviors are counter-productive in any team environment. This mainly then undermines the role and effectiveness of a CMO, and one wonders why most CMO’s tenure is less than 2 years. Perhaps this should be a functional shift for the CMO professions out there….Partner CMO vs “Rock Star” CMO.