CEO’s - good ones.

[monktasmic]

what skill set or background and personal attributes do really good CEO’s you’ve worked with have?
a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ is not super helpful , nor are wives of CEO’sctelling me about their heroic DH’s.
thanks

I can’t say I know loads of CEOs but I like the one I currently work for.

He is a generalist but has a passion for the sector we are in, and has in-depth knowledge on it.
He knows his strengths and weaknesses, and hires in great people who will cover the things he is not good at, and isn’t afraid to delegate. He shows a personal interest in staff, is personable and friendly, and has a humble attitude.

That’s really helpful thanks - any more for any more?

The best CEO I ever worked for was a woman. She was confident, capable, and knew her stuff. But what made her truly stand out was her ability to know and understand her knowledge gaps and to trust us as her staff to fill those gaps and work alongside her. She was great. We always felt appreciated and motivated by her leadership. She wasn’t afraid to muck in if needed too (SME not global corporate)

Has a vision
hires and recognises great talent and celebrates it
always horizon scanning
deep knowledge of whatever sector they’re in
leads not manages

Solid financial knowledge - not necessarily accountant level but knows their way around a P&L/BS/Cashflow

Expert in field - sort of person that can engage on a range of topics confidently, keeps up to date with industry changes/news

Some other traits I would say; fair, personable, smartly presented, trusting.

With regards to background, the best CEOs I’ve worked with have had ‘front line’ experience and risen through ability.

The best CEO I worked for (he retired) was fair, that's the first thing I want to mention. No preferential treatment for anyone. He would give feedback in the best possible way (at least that's how it works the best for me) - showing you a specific task, pointing out what to improve, and suggesting how.

I was at my previous employer a while and there were a few over the years. The last (for me) and current one easily the best. He is very visible, in the restaurant at lunchtime, made a point of going around meeting and talking to EVERYONE, at every level, when he joined. knows peoples names. Joined in sporting activities. Seemed to be fair. He's human and approachable, knows his stuff. Staff are relieved they finally have a good strong leader.

Enthusiasm and positivity
Treats people equitably
Clearly communicates key issues
Delegates effectively
Visible to entire workforce

I’ve had a few.

Best ones were willing to get their hands dirty by pitching in with the menial jobs (if possible), they knew what was going on at all levels because they talked to and listened to their employees, they trusted their staff and gave them autonomy to do their jobs and do them better, allowed employees to improve things without putting several years of decision-making meetings in the way!

The worst ones: never saw them, they had no idea what was going on in the company (usually because they relied on managers to paint a rosy picture), didn’t speak to their employees, made decisions with little to no idea on how that would impact anything. Eventually, everyone ends up hating this type of CEO, whilst also losing interest in their work and having no commitment to their employer.

Invites and acts on challenge - recognising that they don't know everything and empowering the people they work with to contribute to getting things right. This n turn tends to mean they recruit and keep good people.

Modelling through behaviour, and setting healthy work habits. Communicating directly with the organisation and responding to what they hear, even if all they can do is acknowledge unhappiness. Inauthenticity is so easily seen and felt.