Think like a CEO and Act like a leader

Think like a CEO and Act like a leader 

There is known Chinese proverb that says that the wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher. Perhaps at no other time in recent history has adaptability been more important than it is now. Adaptability – the ability to change (or be changed) to fit new circumstances – is a crucial skill for CEO’s to be a good leaders, and an important competency in emotional intelligence. Although adaptability is key, there are a few other skills and characteristics that a CEO needs to attain to be successful.a well-known Chinese proverb that says that the wise adapt themselves to circumstances, as water molds itself to the pitcher. Perhaps at no other time in recent history has adaptability been more important than it is now. Adaptability – the ability to change (or be changed) to fit new circumstances – is a crucial skill for CEO’s to be a good leaders, and an important competency in emotional intelligence. Although adaptability is key, there are a few other skills and characteristics that a CEO needs to attain to be successful.

 Strategy                                                                                     

Strategic Thinking is a planning process that applies innovation, strategic planning and operational planning to develop business strategies that have a greater chance for success. It is important to note that past experience is not always the best basis for developing future strategies. CEO’s need to create value for their employees, customers and establishment as a whole. Strategic thinking is the "what:" and "why" of the business planning process. It entails innovation and creativity. It is a process of examining everything we do in our various roles, understanding the needs of our customers and ensuring that all of this is linked to specific strategic imperatives.

 Vision

To have vision is to clearly, credibly and unequivocally point the way to a destination or a target, and then encourage people to travel towards that destination and stay on track until the goals are achieved. A visionary CEO ensures that the working environment is as open as possible so that people aren’t afraid to provide suggestions, innovate and potentially develop and grow the business. It’s the CEO’s duty to inspire his employees. It is his duty to influence each and every member of his team to continuously flourish and put forth their best work. This will only have a positive impact on the establishment as a whole.

 Diversity

We’re all heard the cliché quote “less is more”. Well, this could also apply to a businesses. Downsizing, right-sizing, reorganizing, reengineering—all are indications of the pressure on organizations to reduce the size of their workforces. The only way to cope with this need to do more with less is by working cooperatively in an environment of respect, drawing on all the resources available to get the job done. When people work together in an atmosphere of trust and accountability toward a common goal, they put aside turf issues and politics and focus on the tasks to be done. This focus of resources overcomes barriers, helps to identify new opportunities, and builds a momentum that leads to three major bottom-line benefits: better problem solving; greater productivity; more effective use of resources.

 Delegation

Clarity is key here. A successful CEO must be clear about the time they have, the money they can spend, and the people they can call on to help them to do the job. Set clear goals, standards, and deadlines for the delegated task. A job without a deadline is merely a discussion. Then tell people to come back to you only if they have a problem. If they are on schedule and on budget, they do not need to report. You can assume that they have the job under control. To grow your people is to learn how to delegate and develop your management skills.

 Positivity

Positivity is an attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results. A positive person anticipates happiness, health and success, and believes he or she can overcome any obstacle and difficulty. It is the CEO’s duty instill a positivity within their team; lead by example. A joyful employee will perform more efficiently and deliver a higher quality work.

 Risk

A CEO cannot avoid taking risks. Whether you’re a man or woman, risk-taking will be a part of what shapes your career. Think of it as innovating as opposed to risk-taking. Innovators think about the future. They think about shaping it. They see all the potential possibilities and are eager to get ahead, and beat out their competitors. This clarity of vision allows you to plan for the road ahead and ultimately, take the necessary steps (risks) to achieve your goal. Think big. Business is about results. Results are about growth. Growth requires new ways of thinking. That requires innovation, which is often viewed as a risk.

 Action

The only way you can achieve results is by taking action. Turn your thoughts, dreams and visions for the establishment into reality. Make things happen. In order to do that you must first have a goal, then a plan to achieve it. Address the possible difficulties and their solutions.

 Controlled Emotion

A CEO must be able to maintain control over his or her emotions. However, this does not suggest that a CEO must be rigid in behavior and fail to applaud successes or point out failures. Rather the intensity of emotion must be maintained in a manner such that the fellow colleagues and subordinates understand the underlying meaning of the emotion. A CEO must ideally not display excessive levels of anger at small mistakes or become overjoyed at small wins. Rather, he or she must know how to appreciate employees and push them in the right direction that allows the team to achieve the corporate aim of the organization.

This article is available at Business in Gulf Magazine - October 2015 issue