A CEO’s responsibilities are many, but even if they’re excellent at what they do, there are traits they must possess to be the absolute best in their industry.
We’ve all seen the standard list of characteristics that are present in the most successful executives. They’re “strategically minded; they have mentors, competent, caring, credible, etc.” While those are all great traits, and they may be qualities present in top executives, they don’t always paint a clear picture of the specific characteristics they share.
Being the CEO of a company is a challenging job that requires a combination of skills, experience, and personality traits. While every CEO is unique, there are certain traits that every successful CEO shares….
1. They Have Vision
CEOs are known for their ability to anticipate trends and envision a better company future. They have a clear picture of where they want their organization to go and how to get there. They are unafraid to take risks and make bold decisions to drive their company forward. They are constantly thinking about the long-term goals of their organization and developing plans to achieve them.
This means being able to communicate their vision effectively to their team members and inspire them to work towards a common goal. They create a sense of purpose and direction for their employees, which helps to keep them motivated and engaged. Visionary and strategic thinking involves analyzing data, identifying trends, and making decisions based on facts and figures. The best executives use this information to develop strategies that will help their organization to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to changing market conditions.
2. Emphasis on Accessibility & Communication
The most successful executives break down the barriers between themselves and their employees. They foster an energetic and collaborative environment where employees not only have a voice, but a voice that will be heard and valued.
The bottom line is the best leaders are the ones who will roll up their sleeves and work with the team, rather than above them.
3. Resilience
You push them down and they bounce right back. CEOs are resilient leaders who are able to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. They are able to handle stress and pressure effectively and remain focused on their goals.
Resilient CEOs are able to learn from their mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. They are able to adapt to changing circumstances and find new ways to achieve their goals.
3. Forward-Thinking
In the face of success or failure, great CEOs are able to acknowledge the accomplishments of their employees, accept their faults, and continue looking forward. Forward-thinking doesn’t mean having a plan or strategy on how you’re going to compete in the biggest hotel markets (although that is necessary for the success of the business); rather, forward-thinking means being able to “take a minute to celebrate success or reflect on failure, but then move on.”
4. They Live by the Company’s Values
It all starts from the top.
What is the difference between ordinary CEOs and the top-rated CEOs? While there are many traits of successful CEOs, the most important is that they do business and live their life according to their company’s values; however, this is perhaps one of the most overlooked values. The sign of a great CEO is one whose company culture is inspired by how the CEO does business and the people they hire.
The C-suite sets the tone for the entire organization. Living by the company’s culture can also help to build trust with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and employees. When a CEO lives by the company’s culture, it shows that he or she is committed to the values and beliefs of the organization. This can help to build trust and confidence in the company, which can lead to increased loyalty and support.
On the other hand, if the CEO does not live by the company’s culture, it can erode trust with stakeholders. Customers may feel that the company is not living up to its promises, investors may feel that the company is not a good investment, and employees may feel that it is not a good workplace.
5. Willingness to Ask for Help/Integrity
The top executives understand that good leadership means developing the people who work for you and being able to go to them for help and answers. “Good CEOs do the right thing, not the thing that feels right,” says Debora Benton, author of CEO Material. They value their integrity and aren’t afraid to admit their mistakes and make amends. They know what they know and don’t know, and they are willing to admit when they don’t have the answers and ask for help.