Sound advice for new CEOs

Now you may be wondering what authority a business consultant who has spent his life in consulting has to give advice to prospective CEOs starting a new role. Well the short answer is none whatsoever - but I know a man who does. Last year my old boss, career counsellor and mentor was appointed CEO of a global market research and market intelligence group with a turnover of over $500m annually and in my mind this makes him well qualified to comment. I am sure he wont mind me sharing his advice that he gave in an article he wrote for our monthly newsletter. Before starting he sought the advice of many leaders who had some very sound advice and in no particular order, with no caveats or explanations, with no quotes or citations, and no attempt to analyse or de-construct, here’s an excellent summary of what they had to say:

1.       Seek help. Everyone needs it and some are good at giving it.

2.       Get the right people around you, and get the wrong people away from you.

3.        Understand how every part of the company operates and how it is performing.

4.       If you want people to be transparent and honest (which you do), be transparent and honest yourself. More broadly, behave well.

5.       Focus on the small number of things that matter and trade-off the rest.

6.      Spend at least 30% of your time with the Board. Lead through the team. It’s not about what you do; it’s about what the team (including you) does.

7.      Culture is crucial. The tone is set by the leadership and it can be the most powerful and lasting legacy that you will leave.

8.      Have people you can confide in. Leadership is lonely so find someone you can talk with in confidence. But, be selective in listening to advice – caveat emptor.

9.      You don’t need to decide today. But once you have decided, act with pace and determination, not with haste and aggression.

10.   Get the balance right. Everything is important and everyone wants some time, but don’t sacrifice your family, friends and health at the altar of the Office.

11.   You haven’t got funnier, your kids haven’t got smarter and you aren’t a brilliant leader – no matter how many times people tell you the opposite.

12.   Forget all of that stuff. In the end, it’s just about good people.

Wise words indeed and I wish him the best of luck in his new role, not that he will need it.