Smile, and the Whole World Smiles With You - A Leadership Lesson from Mom
Five Things for the First-Time CEO, Part 3 (read prior post by clicking here)
“Leadership is not about giving energy. It’s unleashing other people’s energy.” – Paul Polman
Are you ready?
As CEO, you will be in the public eye. You are the external face of the organization. Everywhere you go, everyone you meet … you are its representative. Prepare yourself.
This can be an overwhelming task, if you let it – especially if your personality profile leans toward being an introvert or a technical specialist.
Speaking from experience, being an introvert holds major advantages when stepping up as CEO. I learned to stretch my tendencies into more extroverted behaviors, to achieve personal and professional goals while moving the organization forward.
You, too, can successfully transition to CEO, and leverage the many positive attributes of your personality profile - no matter where you fall on the chart. We’ll cover more on the transition later.
Yes, You’re Being Watched
As CEO, you will spend a significant amount of time in the public eye. You meet with stakeholders and customers. You’re visible at trade shows and conventions. You are always representing your organization and its people, 24/7.
This is an awesome responsibility. You are part of something bigger and wonderful. It takes some getting used to, including for your family. Let me assure you: It’s well worth the effort.
As CEO, you are an influencer - most likely the lead influencer - of the outside world’s perception of your organization. One of your key responsibilities is to build the company’s brand. In privately-held or family-owned businesses, one’s personal brand may be closely linked to the company’s brand.
With this in mind, I’ve found it useful to focus primarily on external issues that you feel generate the most value for your organization’s mission and vision. Build relationships with key stakeholders. Gather marketplace intelligence. Use a balanced approach to this process. Ditch any We vs. Them mindset.
Share … Just Like Your Mom Told You
Most importantly, share the load by developing a strong, engaged team. Your first instinct might be to try to do it all yourself. Don’t.
From firsthand experience, I’ll attest that when a team feels engaged, and part of running the ship, they will always catch fish on a constant basis – far, far more than a lone fisherman with one line in the water.
The transition is rarely easy. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network, and personal CEO advisor, to make the transition as smooth as possible. We’re rarely fully ready to become CEO … which is why, as the CEO Shepherd, I’m ready to help.