The fastest and easiest way of becoming a CEO is attending a prestigious and expensive school, and getting an MBA right? Wrong. While most people have the same idea, even with an MBA, you only have 1 in 135,000 chances of becoming a Fortune 500 CEO[1]. Make no mistake, expertise and education is important especially if you are not a founder. So is experience. Besides the aforementioned attributes, there are other skills that will significantly boost your chances of becoming CEO. Here they are:
1. A CEO is a Risk Taker
All CEOs make decisions that significantly affect the operation of the organisation they lead. While it is important to maintain stability, if you play it safe you have minimal chances of excelling as CEO. A great CEO is courageous enough to take risks that bring their organisation big payoffs. These risks should however, be calculated and strategic. Before making any big decisions, whether you are an entry level employee or a high achieving executive, learn to anticipate challenges. Don’t get over excited about ideas, this can affect your ability to accurately assess the likelihood of failure. Instead, use lessons from the past and current trends to take educated risks. In the words of Mark Zuckerberg, “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”
2. A CEO Produces Results
Always ensure you achieve results in whatever position you’re currently at. Not occasionally but continuously. The ability to produce results is ranked among the most guaranteed ways of being considered for the coveted CEO spot[2] according to a 10 year Study dubbed the CEO Genome Project. You should be able to navigate challenges, achieve your objectives and hit your targets regularly. Be proactive, find solutions and create a way where there seems like none is available.
3. CEOs Learn To Communicate Well
For a company to excel, its CEO must not only produce results but, they must be able to inspire employees. Something that’s virtually impossible if you do not possess proper communication skills. Learn how to sell your vision and inspire those working with or under you to bring this vision to life. Try your best to build trust filled relationships with your coworkers and employees. Demonstrate empathy. Listen. Work on your storytelling skills. Do all this because it’s the easiest way to get people behind you is by appealing to their emotions. Additionally, CEOs who communicate and interact well with their employees enjoy greater work satisfaction -something that highly contributes to a company’s performance. Proper communication increases one’s chances of being CEO by 36.9% as per a study by Glassdoor.
4. A CEO Is A Perpetual Learner
Some of the world’s top CEOs have one thing in common – they’re always learning. These include the legendary Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates. You need to put yourself in a position where you can learn by repeatedly facing different professional challenges. Be curious. Don’t just stick to a particular skill set. Learn and master various aspects of the business you’re in . Be completely committed to improving yourself.
Pursue higher education, volunteer for leadership roles, and take on challenges. Read books, take classes and find community projects that are looking for people that can lead. According to the New York Times, the quickest way to become CEO or get a highly sought after position is to be knowledgeable in various things. You need to perform a variety of roles and deliver results. Apart from adding to your experience, it will get you noticed by the people who are in a position to make you CEO.
5. CEOs Forge A Strong Network
“Show me you friends, I’ll show you your future.”
Any CEO worth their salt has a solid network to fall back on. Surround yourself with people who can make your vision come true. This doesn’t necessarily apply to other movers and shakers but, to your employees as well. Learn to be self-aware. Identify the strengths and skills that you lack. Get a team of employees who complement your skill set. This will ensure optimum performance.
Other key characteristics to bullet-proof your chances of being considered for CEO include thinking ahead, being curious, and being emotionally intelligent. Your ability to make decisions in the spur of the moment is also very important. As you work your way up, be confident but don’t dismiss others. Be respectful. Be proactive. More importantly, put yourself out there for whatever opportunities come up.
If you’ve got any open positions, post them up now and let The Manpower Company (TMC) find you the perfect fit!
Ruth Kimani
[…] is also a vital component in creating a successful business, product and service. While successful entrepreneurs play multiple roles in their company, I’d argue that the most important one is chief designer. We […]
WELL PUT, simple and to the point