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Chicago Booth Review Podcast

Do companies hire the right CEOs?

Sep 25, 2024
Steve Kaplan, an expert on C-suite hiring and CEO performance, dives into the complexities of selecting the right CEOs. He reveals that successful CEO traits often differ from those of other executives, highlighting skills like decision-making, execution, and charisma. Kaplan warns against merely favoring likability over effectiveness in hiring practices. He explores how trends in CEO characteristics have evolved while certain core traits remain constant, using examples from iconic leaders to emphasize the crucial balance of execution skills and interpersonal abilities.
31:12

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Quick takeaways

  • Effective CEOs typically possess execution orientation, creativity, and charisma, which are critical traits for success in their roles.
  • The hiring process often favors likability over execution skills, leading to potential misalignment between selection and actual performance outcomes.

Deep dives

Key Traits of Successful CEOs

Research indicates that effective CEOs often exhibit traits such as execution orientation, creativity, and charisma, which are critical for success in the role. Candidates who display efficient, proactive, persistent, and strategic qualities tend to perform better once in the position. Interestingly, while agreeable interpersonal skills are important, they are sometimes prioritized over execution capabilities during the hiring process. This suggests that companies may mistakenly favor likability at the expense of necessary decision-making skills.

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