I would guess wanting to align with the CEO. One day they hope to be a CxO of some sort. So that means reading the mind and following the example of the current

I would guess wanting to align with the CEO. One day they hope to be a CxO of some sort. So that means reading the mind and following the example of the current CEO. They won't get further up the pyramid by advocating against the explicit (or perceived) wishes of their dear leader.