Balcony vs Dancefloor: The CEO’s Perspective Shift

As a CEO, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle of running a business. You’re right there in the thick of it—responding to emails, putting out fires, attending endless meetings. It’s like being on the dancefloor of a crowded club, where the music is loud, the crowd is intense, and the energy is nonstop. Sometimes, it can even feel like a mosh pit—chaotic, overwhelming, and exhausting.

But the role of a CEO isn’t to be in the mosh pit; it’s to be in the balcony, orchestrating the moves of the company like a choreographer guiding a dance. Whether it’s a waltz, a salsa, or a perfectly timed conga line, your job is to ensure that the company moves in harmony, with every step contributing to the rhythm of success.

Working ON the Business vs. IN the Business

This brings us to the essential distinction between working ON the business and working IN the business. When you’re on the dancefloor, you’re working IN the business—focused on the immediate tasks and challenges. There’s value in being connected to the day-to-day, but staying there too long means you lose sight of the bigger picture.

Working ON the business, on the other hand, is what happens when you step into the balcony. From this vantage point, you can see the entire dancefloor. You can spot patterns, identify gaps, and make strategic decisions that align with your long-term vision. It’s about perspective—taking a step back to ensure that all the moving parts are working together in harmony.

The Danger of Staying in the Mosh Pit

It’s tempting, especially in high-growth environments, to stay on the dancefloor. The adrenaline, the pace, the feeling of being needed—it’s intoxicating. But here’s the danger: when you’re too deep in the mosh pit, you can’t see what’s happening around you. You’re reacting instead of leading, and your focus becomes short-term rather than strategic.

In this state, you risk missing opportunities, overlooking risks, and making decisions based on immediate pressures rather than long-term goals. The company starts to lose its rhythm, and what was once a carefully choreographed dance becomes disjointed and chaotic.

Orchestrating the Dance from the Balcony

The best CEOs know when to step back into the balcony. From here, you can orchestrate the company’s moves, ensuring that everyone is in sync and that the dancefloor remains a place of coordinated effort rather than chaos.

This doesn’t mean you should never step onto the dancefloor. There are times when you need to feel the pulse of the organization, to connect with your team and understand the challenges they face. But the key is balance—knowing when to immerse yourself in the details and when to rise above them.

Think of your role as the conductor of an orchestra. You don’t play every instrument, but you guide the musicians, set the tempo, and ensure that every note contributes to the symphony. By staying in the balcony, you maintain the perspective needed to lead effectively, ensuring that your company’s dance is not just a series of random movements, but a beautifully orchestrated performance.

Finding Your Rhythm

So how do you find the right balance between the balcony and the dancefloor? It starts with self-awareness. Recognize when you’re getting too caught up in the details and when it’s time to step back. Create regular opportunities for reflection—whether through strategic planning sessions, retreats, or simply blocking out time on your calendar to think.

Encourage your leadership team to do the same. When everyone in the organization understands the value of working ON the business, you create a culture where strategy and execution go hand in hand, and where the company’s movements are intentional and aligned with its goals.

Remember, as the CEO, your job is not just to keep the dance going, but to ensure it’s a dance worth watching—a performance that captivates, inspires, and leads to lasting success.