Would you have a coffee with your CEO?

When asked about the role of a Chief Executive Officer, many people will dive into extensive lists of skills—leadership, vision, communication, and business acumen. While all of these are important, the essence of a CEO often boils down to something much simpler: the "coffee test."

If you meet a CEO in person or through the web and feel a connection strong enough that you'd want to have coffee with them one day, it reveals something far more profound about their role in the organization.

In this post, we'll explore why this connection matters—not only for personal rapport but also from a scientific perspective. We'll analyze why this bond helps make the CEO the essential face of the team and the organization.

# The Science Behind Human Connection

The connection you feel toward a CEO - and other human beings actually - is rooted in psychological and neurobiological factors. From a scientific standpoint, humans are social creatures wired for connection. When we encounter someone who makes us feel understood, valued, or simply at ease, it activates various areas of the brain, particularly the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and social interaction.

Research shows that positive interpersonal interactions lead to the release of oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone" or "trust hormone." Oxytocin fosters a sense of belonging and mutual trust, which are vital for forming lasting relationships. When you feel this connection with a CEO, it's not just a fleeting moment but a reflection of their emotional intelligence (EI)—their ability to be in tune with others, to build trust, and to convey authenticity.

# The Role of a CEO as the Face of the Organization

# Humanizing Leadership

Modern leadership has moved away from the autocratic style of the old typical boss to something more collaborative and empathetic. The coffee test is about humanizing leadership. When employees, partners, and customers see the CEO as approachable and relatable, it fosters a sense of community and alignment around a shared vision.

From a psychological standpoint, this works because of what's known as the "Halo Effect". When we have a positive impression of someone in one area, like relatability, we tend to generalize that positivity to other traits, like intelligence or competence. If you want your team and external stakeholders to see the CEO as competent, making them approachable is one of the fastest paths.

# Establishing Trust and Authenticity

The coffee test matters because, in today’s highly networked world, the CEO often represents an organization's core values and identity. A CEO who can connect with others on a personal level embodies the brand’s promise, acting as a living example of its principles. Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship—whether between a company and its customers, investors, or employees. A CEO who can build this trust through authentic relationships helps reinforce the credibility of the entire organization.

# Psychological Safety and Leadership

Psychological safety, as defined by Harvard professor Amy Edmondson, is the belief that one can speak up, take risks, and express oneself without fear of negative consequences. A CEO who passes the "coffee test" creates an environment where people feel psychologically safe. This safety allows employees to be more innovative, share ideas, and foster collaboration—critical components of a successful, adaptive organization.

# Why Does This Connection Matter in the Digital Age?

As much as the CEO might be the face of the organization during physical meetings, the increasing prevalence of digital interaction has raised the stakes. People are likelier to "meet" a CEO through social media, webinars, or other digital platforms. Therefore, building a virtual persona that makes people want to connect is just as important.

Studies on digital empathy—an emerging area in psychology—suggest that even in online spaces, human connections can feel real and deep. A CEO who demonstrates empathy, vision, and authenticity digitally builds a bridge that can enhance not just their personal brand but also the brand of the entire organization.

# Why Should the CEO Be the Face of the Team?

# Emotional Resonance and Brand Loyalty

People are more likely to stay loyal to a brand when they feel an emotional connection to it. This connection often stems from the emotional resonance they feel toward the CEO. This is particularly important in industries where customer loyalty is a long-term asset. If you want your customers to stay invested, having a CEO they feel connected to can be a game changer.

# Driving Vision and Culture

A CEO sets the tone for company culture and vision. By being visible and approachable, the CEO makes the company’s goals more tangible and relatable to employees and customers alike. It's not just about strategy and execution but about personally making people believe in the mission. A CEO who is the face of the team can inspire that kind of belief.

# Influencing External Perceptions

A CEO who actively engages with the public, customers, and industry leaders serves as a critical bridge between the company and the outside world. The CEO represents not only the business but also the organization's values, innovations, and integrity. In times of crisis or transition, people often look to the CEO for reassurance, stability, and leadership. If they’ve already built that coffee-test level of connection, the company is more likely to weather the storm.

# Conclusion: The CEO as a Connection Point

The "coffee test" isn’t just a simple gut feeling; it reflects a more profound connection, one that's supported by science. A CEO who can foster this connection is a powerful figurehead for the organization. They’re not just running a business but leading a community of employees, customers, and stakeholders who believe in them. This emotional bond, whether made in person or online, is critical for trust, loyalty, and the company's long-term success.

In short, the CEO should be the face of the organization because they are the one that people can connect with on a human level. And that connection makes all the difference.

So it is about time for the 1 million dollars question. Would you have a coffee with your CEO? If not, then that is a bad sign. If yes, then you are in the right place. Cheers!! ☕️