The Difference Between a Surgeon and a CEO

John Adler, Accuray
and Trip Adler, Scribd

A surgeon and a CEO are nothing alike, observes Accuray founder John Adler. A surgeon, he explains, gives orders in the operating room; a CEO must persuade those in the boardroom to follow him. This difference in culture was a big surprise, recalls Adler, and took time to adjust to. Learning to persuade others is, in his view, a big part of the leadership process.