191. Best of 2023 - How to make a strong start as a CEO
Jan 3, 2024
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Carolyn Dewar, senior partner and founder of CEO Excellence Practice, and Kurt Strovink, senior partner and co-leader of global CEO initiative, discuss advice for new CEOs, including the importance of listening, emotional connection, and setting clear goals. They also address engaging former peers and board alignment.
Approach the listening tour with genuine curiosity to uncover valuable insights from stakeholders during the initial period.
Understand that the CEO role requires a fresh perspective, learning from the experiences of other successful CEOs to manage unexpected responsibilities and new stakeholders effectively.
Deep dives
The Importance of Genuine Listening and Learning
New CEOs should approach their listening tour with genuine curiosity, realizing that stakeholders may share valuable insights during this initial period. By genuinely engaging with stakeholders, CEOs can uncover information that may not be shared in the future. It is crucial to focus on actively listening and learning during this time to understand the unique aspects of the CEO role.
Lessons from Research and CEO Excellence
Research data from successful CEOs and insights from the CEO Excellence book highlight the importance of understanding the CEO role, which goes beyond just a larger version of previous roles. CEOs often face unexpected responsibilities, new stakeholders, and unique challenges. Many wish they had managed the transition differently and emphasize the importance of adopting a fresh perspective and learning from the experiences of other successful CEOs.
Making a Strong Start and Seizing the Opportunity for Institutional Renewal
Senior leaders transitioning into the CEO role have an opportunity to drive institutional renewal and create a strong start. By understanding their mandate, adjusting their communication style, and shaping agendas to address crises and risks, CEOs can set a positive tone and make necessary changes early on. These transitions can unfreeze organizations, creating opportunities for reflection, culture shifts, and innovation.
Playing Big Ball: Talent, Time Management, and Operating Rhythm
CEOs should prioritize talent management, rapidly building a leadership team aligned with their vision and driving high-quality execution. Effective time management is crucial, distinguishing between priority activities that only the CEO can handle and delegating other tasks to capable team members. CEOs also need to establish a suitable operating rhythm for themselves, their teams, and the organization, creating a culture of accountability and ensuring everyone is focused on the highest-impact activities.
In this episode, we share advice and insights for new CEOs about how they can make a strong start in the role. Sean Brown is joined by Carolyn Dewar, a senior partner in our San Francisco office who is the founder and co-leader of our CEO Excellence Practice. She is also a co-author of last year’s NY Times bestseller, CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest.