Are you a good CEO?

View Comments (9) | Leave Comment

Let's ask this question another way - 'Why would anyone want to be led by me?'

CEOs often forget their job is to lead people into the future, rather than succumb to the tyranny of today's tasks.

Shirlaws coaches know that when the pace hots up, in both large and small businesses, many CEOs disengage from the very colleagues who could help. Some CEOs vanish behind their office door to try and do everything themselves - a recipe for a heart attack. Others become dictatorial, pushing harder and harder to tell people what to do, mistaking this ploy for visionary leadership.

A quick look at some big leadership names shows how some great achievers have found other people to complement their skills. Willie Whitelaw balanced Margaret Thatcher's strong opinions while Bill Gates's colleagues balance his extreme geekiness.

Chef Jamie Oliver demonstrates not only clarity, strong views and passion - vital in any CEO - but also an inclusive attitude to lead and inspire others.

Many leadership skills shopping lists purport to answer the question, 'How to be a good CEO?'. The CEO trying to develop good leadership skills by relying on theoretical models might be well informed but the real test lies in their effective application - and that is only judged by others.

CEO measures of success

Run today's business - am I getting the job done?
Create tomorrow's growth - am I laying the foundations for future success?

Shirlaws coaches always consider the qualities of a CEO within the context of the CEO's job because these two aspects are so closely interwoven. For instance, the business might be a turnaround, new start up, or in a phase of massive growth.

While we know the specific skills to be effective in these different situations vary, Shirlaws coaches believe three good leadership skills are inarguable in all situations.

Forming trusting relationships with members of the senior team - and more, to facilitate team members in forming trusting relationships with each other.
Listening by walking the job with customers and staff to find out what's going on - where are the problems and opportunities?
Giving direction because people want to hear you say, ‘I'm behind this and want to see it happen.'

If you can't develop these relationships in real space, use modern technology to help you overcome the problems of geography.

‘Too much distance makes leadership - like pornography - just a mechanical act.' Warren Bennis

Comments

There are currently 9 comments about this editorial.

Howard Tonkin, about 1 year ago

Enjoyed the article. I wonder how many CEO's really believe that people are their greatest asset. Many say it, but....I am certain the really successful CEOs mean it.

cwilliams, about 1 year ago

I like this stronger style and personally favour a story that is likely to provoke more reaction - especially liked the quote at the end.

JulianRead, about 1 year ago

This came up with a CEO when speaking about his management team. enjoyed the article

guyprince, about 1 year ago

Hi Andrea, Good article - Succinct and clear. I particularly like the question'Why would anyone want to be lead by you?' Puts the CEO in a different space in thinking of their responsibility to do what is right by others. Thanks Breda

Jan Phillips, about 1 year ago

Good message and punchy style! As someone who can too easily succumb to the tyranny of tasks, it's great to be reminded that the leader's role is PEOPLE over tasks. Shackleton's a hero of mine for remembering this and motivating a team through some of the toughest conditions you can come across, without losing a single member of the team.

Gina, about 1 year ago

Hi Andrea Greetings from Melbourne. A very good article, I'll be sending it to a client or two ! Even learned a new word inarguable though it's not in my dictionary ! Ray Brown

Tim Ryan, about 1 year ago

Its the leaders role to develop and communicate the vision. To attract and inspire a good team of people around him to develop the strategy and to secure the resources and motivation to deliver - AND then keep fine tuning all of these aspects by checking,encouraging, seeking, listening.

gail_hackett, about 1 year ago

A great article. It was very easy to read and would have a "bite" to it for any CEO reading it. Its good to see something more controversial and edgy. Can we send clients to this site yet? thanks Vanessa

ccraven, about 1 year ago

what is it that makes someone an exceptional leader rather than a good leader - a case for me is someone like shackleton who led his team into life threatening situations? what is the magic element that they have?