The analogy is a relatively simple one, the role of a company CEO (Chief Executive Officer) is much like the Captain of a ship. They set a clear direction, they ensure key controls are in place, and they ensure that they reach the required destination.
Easy to say, hard to do. In fact a lot of CEO’s just skip right over the very first part of this roadmap I laid out below which is the Mission and the Vision (along with the Values). A large amount of CEO’s believe this is the fuzzy and unworthy side of what a CEO needs to do for a company. Some CEO’s believe it lends no value and drives nothing. I claim those are the CEO’s that have a very short vision of the future of a company and are not in for the long haul (just my opinion). Granted, the Mission, Vision and Values are only words but the right words can lead an army and motivate the least of the engaged. The right words can lift spirits and drive change. The right words have power. In other words the Mission, the Vision and the Values can set the baseline for a CEO’s journey in the right direction. Especially if the penned words mean something and they are words the employees can rally around and stand behind. Get creative and get input when developing a company’s Mission, Vision and Values.
The next area that CEO’s needs to focus on is strategies. Clear, concise and engaging strategies. Strategies that will grow the company. The catch here is that you cannot tackle everything. Most CEO’s want to boil the ocean, all at once, and see what they get. This tactic is the lazy CEO’s shortcut. It strains the resources and usually does not complete any of the objectives – at least not well. Spend some time with strategies. Engage the input of the full leadership team and communicate the strategies effectively. At which the strategies should be actioned out and tracked using the language and methods of accountability.
The diagram below goes through 15 other key focus areas with numerous high-level action items that every CEO should understand and address. Use the checklist section to truly identify and mark the items that you as the CEO have plans for or are engaged in already.
It’s clear that the below infographic is not all inclusive but addressing these 15 areas increases the odds of success substantially and will create a company environment that will withstand the trials that bombard any dynamic and growing company.
