- Dan Amos, Aflac General Director, shares his daily routine global balanced operations.
- Amos emphasizes the importance of balance of work and life and being available 24/7.
- Aflac’s success is linked to strong links with Japan, which accounts for 70% of its business.
This essay as strong is based on a conversation with Dan Amos, CEO I AFLAC INCORPORATEDabout his daily routine in Columbus, Georgia. Been edited for length and clarity.
I started my career in Aflac Incorporated as a sales representative in 1973 and spent 10 years on sale. I became the highest seller of the company.
I finally got up in the ranks to hold several leadership positions, including the president in 1983, the main operating officer in 1987, the chief executive in 1990, and chairman of the Board in 2001. I have been CEO for 35 years, which puts me in Among the five best current CEOs Long Long Fortune 500 CEO.
My main role is listening and connecting with people – clients, shareholders, institutions, community and my employees. The balance of work-life is essential, but in my position, I must be available around the hour.
Here’s how a typical day looks in my life.
6:30 AM – My day starts early with calls in Japan
I grew up by 6:30 am and have my first meeting with our team in Japan until 7am due to 13-hour or 14-hour change, we alternate early morning or evening calls late. Working with Japan, which makes up 70% of our business, has learned me the value of hearing and full preparation.
Our colleagues’ attention to details has improved our decision -making process and strengthened our global operations, making these links a cornerstone of our success.
7 morning – a quick morning and a short trip
After finishing my appointment, I grab a quick breakfast and car in the office, which is only five minutes away.
By 7:30 am, I’m on my table and I’m ready for the agenda of the day.
7:30 AM – My office reflects our company’s identity and global values
My office has some special things that means a lot to me. Of course, there is a special Aflac duck on my table, a beautiful Japanese silk screen from the 1700s, and many family photos because it matters more.
8 AM-Styl of doctor’s office to hold my door open for emergencies
As I have planned appointments, my direct reports may come up to see if unexpected issues arise. They can wait a little, but it won’t last.
Once my meetings are over, I practice “management by wandering around.” I will enter the team members and check the projects. I have discovered that it is better to stay accessible and engaged, but still gives the leaders the freedom to make decisions within the guards we have decided.
12:30 Afternoon – lunch at my table and random food of southern comfort
I usually eat lunch in the office as I catch markets and read business news.
Being a southern boy, I grew up eating simple food in the country. Some days, I will go to a nearby restaurant called the country barbecue. I’ve known the owner forever, and my favorite meal is their chicken for barbecue.
Afternoon – Brand Building and Crisis Management
The slowest part of my day is usually between 12pm and 4pm, after my calls and morning meetings. This is when I work on strategies and issues with large photographs that run the company.
During my 35 years like CEO, the biggest difference has been how quickly we respond to issues, thanks to how fast life has become with modern technology.
My dad told me long ago that you earn your money not on a daily basis, but on special days when you have big issues. When things happen, the most important thing is to act quickly and not panic.
For example, when Gilbert Gottfried, the previous voice of our Aflac duck made inappropriate comments about Tsunami in Japan in 2011, I had to act quickly. Within 30 minutes, we withdrew all his ads to the US and finished his contract.
6 Afternoon – ending and spending quality home time with my wife, Katelen
Amos with his wife. Dan Amos’s courtesy
I leave the office until 6 pm to dinner and spend quality time with my wife. While occasionally working in the evening, I am lucky to have a supportive woman who understands when the job calls.
Before video conferences and cell phones, I was traveling to Japan every other month and stayed late in the office every day.
Now, my schedule is more structured – I have weekly calls on Sunday to start Japan’s work week, travel there four times a year and call around 8am every other night, unless there is an emergency. This configuration allows me to be effective at work in order to focus on creating the most significant moments with my family.
Midnight – Sleep Time
After a long day, I let go of watching TV but usually fall asleep in my chair around midnight.