The CEO otherwise known as the Chief Executive Offer holds the highest rank or position in his or her company. While a lot of people covet the role of the CEO, not everyone understands what it actually means to be one. For starters, the overall success of the business lies heavily on the CEO’s hands because they make the biggest and most crucial decisions. The careers of the entire workforce depends on him/her as well. That’s why it’s important to check your CEO and see if he/she has these bases covered:
Leading the Development and Execution of Long-Term Strategies
Nowadays, coming up with the company’s mission and vision has become an entire team effort. However, it’s still the CEO’s responsibility to ensure whatever the team comes up with is aligned with what the company stands for, its values, future direction, and overall strategy. It’s up to the CEO how to fit all those together and develop an implementation plan to ensure operations always run smooth and remain true to the company’s core.
Having a Hand in Human Resources
CEO’s know and understand that the only way for their company to grow and succeed is if their key employees do too! The most successful CEO’s take it upon themselves to build their own dream team — this may take years of trial and error but it’s definitely worthwhile. CEO’s make it a point to invest in their employees by ensuring they enhance their skills and continue to learn during their stay in the company.
Business Networking
Being the head and public face of the company, it is the CEO’s duty to create business networks for the company. They create and build relationships with vendors, suppliers, other businesses, and other people in the industry to exchange ideas that can push his/her company forward. The key is building strategic connections that can benefit the company in the long run.
Leading and Evaluating Executive Leaders within the Company
CEO’s are expected to lead by example. Everyone in the company looks to them for all the moves the company will take. While not everyone reports directly to the CEO, other Executive Leaders are expected to embody the company’s vision and mission and it’s up to the CEO to make sure they always stay on track. Most CEO’s are much more hands on than others and prefer one on one meetings with their leaders once in a while. This helps CEO’s check up on them and their teams and solve any challenges that may be happening internally. It’s also important for CEO’s to continue to empower their leaders so they can, in turn, empower their teams.
It’s true that a CEO’s responsibilities depend on his/her company’s specific requirements. But ensuring that these 4 duties are covered makes it easier for him/her to be an effective leader. So, do you think you have what it takes to become a CEO too?