For example, it’s pretty easy telling the boss that his proposed reorganization of senior management is flawed. That service would be on the low end of the scale. Telling him that his belittling and meddlesome ways depress workplace morale would cost more. And telling him that his fashion sense is gruesome and his parties boring would garner the big bucks.

I’ve always prided myself on my ability to criticize others. And I think a CEO would come to value my services.

Of course, it’s possible I’d find that the company was well run and the boss was a good guy. In that case, I’d tell him that, too. Even if it’s not what he wanted to hear. Of course, it’s not what he’d be paying me for, but I’d tell him anyway. Because I’d just want to tell him the truth.

Honest. AW