Don’t Let the Critics Get You Down
Five Things for the First-Time CEO, Part 5 (read previous post by clicking here)
“Leadership isn’t making all the decisions. It is making sure the right decisions are made.” – Andy Stanley
The CEO role can be one of the most rewarding jobs in business. It’s also, unquestionably, one of the most difficult.
First-time CEOs should expect the role to bring a variety of changes to their lives - most positive, some negative, others just confusing. It’s how we handle the highs and lows, that determines our success.
Leadership often means making difficult decisions. Truth is, hard decisions often get more complicated when they’re deferred. And, as a leader gets more senior, the need to make hard calls only intensifies.
This is a reason you were chosen to be CEO: You have the ability to make difficult decisions, in a pressure situation, and under less-than-ideal circumstances. Have confidence in yourself, your moral compass, and your decision-making ability.
No Detour to Easy Street
Things never go perfectly! It’s one thing you can count on in life and business. Don’t let the loudest voices be those who always see the glass as half empty. Believe in your vision for the company, and keep moving forward - even if you ruffle a few feathers.
This is another hard lesson I had to learn … more than once! If you haven’t ruffled a few feathers, you are not doing the job of CEO you should be. You aren’t in this role to make friends. I’ve had to remind myself of this more than a few times!
Being CEO of a business is somewhat like being the quarterback of a football team - people with a vested interest tend to give the CEO too much credit for its successes, and too much blame for the failures.
You might feel, as CEO, that you have no control over many things. Yet today is a new ballgame. The team needs to see themselves as winners. It’s your job as CEO to get them ready. Maintain your confidence, and make the tough calls!
Who Needs Advice? Just Everybody
Guidance from an advisor/mentor can be invaluable for the growth of your organization, and your success as a leader. By partnering with a seasoned advisor, you can minimize your isolation, and get the feedback you need for success.
Take your time. Select an advisor who can inspire you when you are down, and provide confidence when you’ve bitten off a bit too much. Someone who can guide you, because they’ve been in your shoes.
Every advisor has a story to share. It’s how we learn. An advisor just might be your secret weapon to stay focused on the issues you can control … with practical, smart, and simple advice.
Need someone in your corner to support you and your vision? Let’s start the conversation…