Is there a difference in the way CEOs think, feel, and act? Is there a school one can attend to become a CEO? Beyond the perks of being a CEO, what does the position imply for a person’s work preferences, behavior, and cognitive priorities? One thing is for sure: CEOs must learn on the job, and they must do so in an environment where everyone is watching. A CEO’s role is unique within an organization. There is no set job description for a CEO. The CEO is responsible for all decisions and actions were taken by members of the company, even if they are unaware of such decisions and actions. Many professionals aspire to be a CEO, if not become one.
Regardless of your industry or position, learning to think and act like a CEO will make you a more successful entrepreneur or employee. As part of their professional development, it is crucial that employers and managers encourage their employees to follow suit. Your company will have a distinct edge by encouraging employees to aspire to the qualities of good leadership, which will result in employees who are engaged, and productive, and promote a positive work environment.
Strengthscape’s Think Like a CEO program is an experiential training that uses online pre-work, engaging facilitation, and online follow-up to create a personalized learning experience. Based on best practices, that relate to real-world demands, the program generates powerful conversations that provide a clear path for action. Consistently thought-provoking, the program stimulates fresh conversations and perspectives regardless of the leader’s knowledge or experience. It’s an opportunity for leaders at all levels of learning to reflect on how they approach leadership.
No matter what level you are at in the organization, you must establish an overarching philosophy that outlines how you add value. This philosophy will guide your approach to leadership. By leadership approach, we mean what tasks and functions you will prioritize, what type of people and behaviors you will reward and criticize, what you will do personally and what you will delegate, and how you will allocate your time.
Although influenced by the leader’s personality style, leadership approaches are not limited by it. An effective CEO should be able to adapt a leadership style to match the demands of the business and the ecosystem organization exists in, rather than being limited by their natural preferences or priorities.
