Think Like a CEO
How studying the masters can help you get ahead.
By Liz Schmid
What is it that makes AT&T's Michael Armstrong a good CEO? And just what would Microsoft be without Bill Gates at the helm? Whatever it is that put these business lions in powerful positions, it is something that is not tangible, but ever present. By understanding the traits of the people at the top, you can improve your own success, whether you're striving for the CEO spot or some other position. Debra A. Benton's new book, How to Think Like a CEO: The 22 Vital Traits You Need to Be the Person at the Top (Little, Brown and Company, 1999), explains what these traits are and which ones you need - at any level - to make your own way at the top.
1. You're gutsy and a little wild, yet modest and in control.
This trait reflects the need to take risks, even early in your career. "So often we are afraid to move beyond the confines of the expected," says Katherine Ponds, a senior career management consultant at Right Management Consultants. Being in control of a gutsy move or situation is important. "Control suggests you've done your homework, and therefore are prepared to manage the outcome—positive or not." Modesty is secondary when faced with a challenge.
2. You're competitive and tenacious, yet flexible and generous.
The key here is to compete against yourself, not against others. "Most successful CEOs attach their sense of self-worth towards tangible results," says Ponds. Setting clear goals and pushing to achieve them involves this competitiveness. Actually reaching those goals requires tenacity, but beware of a fine line between tenacity and inflexibility. "Success usually comes with showing responsiveness in ever-changing business environments." Generosity, especially when it comes to group achievements, is the sign of a true leader.
3. You're willing to admit mistakes, yet unapologetic.
While admitting your mistakes may be a bit strong, it's better to acknowledge what didn't work, and to make sure the same situation doesn't occur again. A good CEO will also not be afraid to examine why the situation occurred, and waste no time placing blame. By taking this approach, apologies become unnecessary because 'mistakes' become opportunities to further learn and develop.
4. You're secure in yourself, yet constantly improving.
"As you develop professionally you should accumulate a collection of skills," Ponds says. "It is with this collection of skills that you can feel secure in your job." Ponds emphasizes that these two traits go hand in hand, and that you alone are responsible for how secure you feel. "Each employee is responsible for developing and expanding our own capabilities. Success can only be achieved through a commitment to life-long learning."
5. You're original and straightforward, yet think before you talk.
These traits are very important in every aspect of life, but vital to have a successful career. Originality and straightforwardness suggest that you are innovative, action-oriented and are able to think "out-of-the-box". However, do not go overboard. Make sure your ideas and concepts are well thought out, and that you present them in an articulate way. You do not want your fumbling or inability to answer any questions to overshadow what is a great and progressive idea.
Making these traits your own can boost your career and make it gratifying. However, do not forget to make it fun. If you do not find your career exhilarating and enjoyable, there is no reason to reach for those executive stars.
From India, Bangalore
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How studying the masters can help you get ahead.
By Liz Schmid
What is it that makes AT&T's Michael Armstrong a good CEO? And just what would Microsoft be without Bill Gates at the helm? Whatever it is that put these business lions in powerful positions, it is something that is not tangible, but ever present. By understanding the traits of the people at the top, you can improve your own success, whether you're striving for the CEO spot or some other position. Debra A. Benton's new book, How to Think Like a CEO: The 22 Vital Traits You Need to Be the Person at the Top (Little, Brown and Company, 1999), explains what these traits are and which ones you need - at any level - to make your own way at the top.
1. You're gutsy and a little wild, yet modest and in control.
This trait reflects the need to take risks, even early in your career. "So often we are afraid to move beyond the confines of the expected," says Katherine Ponds, a senior career management consultant at Right Management Consultants. Being in control of a gutsy move or situation is important. "Control suggests you've done your homework, and therefore are prepared to manage the outcome—positive or not." Modesty is secondary when faced with a challenge.
2. You're competitive and tenacious, yet flexible and generous.
The key here is to compete against yourself, not against others. "Most successful CEOs attach their sense of self-worth towards tangible results," says Ponds. Setting clear goals and pushing to achieve them involves this competitiveness. Actually reaching those goals requires tenacity, but beware of a fine line between tenacity and inflexibility. "Success usually comes with showing responsiveness in ever-changing business environments." Generosity, especially when it comes to group achievements, is the sign of a true leader.
3. You're willing to admit mistakes, yet unapologetic.
While admitting your mistakes may be a bit strong, it's better to acknowledge what didn't work, and to make sure the same situation doesn't occur again. A good CEO will also not be afraid to examine why the situation occurred, and waste no time placing blame. By taking this approach, apologies become unnecessary because 'mistakes' become opportunities to further learn and develop.
4. You're secure in yourself, yet constantly improving.
"As you develop professionally you should accumulate a collection of skills," Ponds says. "It is with this collection of skills that you can feel secure in your job." Ponds emphasizes that these two traits go hand in hand, and that you alone are responsible for how secure you feel. "Each employee is responsible for developing and expanding our own capabilities. Success can only be achieved through a commitment to life-long learning."
5. You're original and straightforward, yet think before you talk.
These traits are very important in every aspect of life, but vital to have a successful career. Originality and straightforwardness suggest that you are innovative, action-oriented and are able to think "out-of-the-box". However, do not go overboard. Make sure your ideas and concepts are well thought out, and that you present them in an articulate way. You do not want your fumbling or inability to answer any questions to overshadow what is a great and progressive idea.
Making these traits your own can boost your career and make it gratifying. However, do not forget to make it fun. If you do not find your career exhilarating and enjoyable, there is no reason to reach for those executive stars.
From India, Bangalore
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Dear friends,
Namaskar.
The traits of CEOs mentioned in this article appear to be the traits of persons with Type-A personality (super achievers). Type A personality is a predisposition for heart attacks/cardiac problems. What is the rate of CEOs with cardiac problems? I think it needs to be explored. Does anyone have any information?
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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174Namaskar.
The traits of CEOs mentioned in this article appear to be the traits of persons with Type-A personality (super achievers). Type A personality is a predisposition for heart attacks/cardiac problems. What is the rate of CEOs with cardiac problems? I think it needs to be explored. Does anyone have any information?
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Dear Anuradha,
Namaskar.
Thank you for your reply. I am not asking about the effect. My question is, what is the extent of side effects - particularly the relationship between CEO personality, Type-A personality, and heart/cardiac problems.
The breaking news is that McDonald's CEO died of a heart attack.
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Namaskar.
Thank you for your reply. I am not asking about the effect. My question is, what is the extent of side effects - particularly the relationship between CEO personality, Type-A personality, and heart/cardiac problems.
The breaking news is that McDonald's CEO died of a heart attack.
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Hi Dr. Jogeshwar... You seem to lean more in the phychological view... anyway different viewing angles... :) :) :) Regards
From India, Madras
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From India, Madras
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Dear Atom Leaf,
Namaskar.
Thank you for your reply. Postmodern life has shifted the focus from a balanced diet to a balanced life. For a balanced life, livelihood and life must go parallel. Here are the three focal components:
1. Cognitive fitness - appropriate cognition,
2. Nutritional fitness - optimum nutrition, and
3. Alignment - optimum appropriate exercises.
In human resource management view, are one or more of these components ignorable? How do you consider a CEO - as a moth, as a martyr, or as a macho?
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Namaskar.
Thank you for your reply. Postmodern life has shifted the focus from a balanced diet to a balanced life. For a balanced life, livelihood and life must go parallel. Here are the three focal components:
1. Cognitive fitness - appropriate cognition,
2. Nutritional fitness - optimum nutrition, and
3. Alignment - optimum appropriate exercises.
In human resource management view, are one or more of these components ignorable? How do you consider a CEO - as a moth, as a martyr, or as a macho?
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Top Stories
Saturday, September 25, 12:14 PM
Changing Lifestyles Damaging Young Hearts
By Lola Nayar, Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) For the couch potatoes, the new TV icon Jasmeet Walia nee Jassi's advice is to walk at least one hour every day to keep their heart fit and fighting.
More physical activity along with a healthy diet is the advice of cardiologists who point to a disquieting rise in heart problems among people under 40 years of age.
Of 16.7 million annual deaths globally due to cardiovascular diseases, India accounts for around three million.
"Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in people under 40 years suffering heart problems," said D.S. Gambhir, CEO, and director of cardiology at the Kailash Heart Institute at Noida near the Indian capital.
"What is more, unlike in the case of older people, the younger people seem to have extensive diseases with not one but two or all three coronary arteries having problems," Gambhir told IANS.
So when the young have a heart attack, the damage is more extensive, he said.
Spearheading awareness among school children for the last several years through his NGO Hriday, cardiologist K. Srinath Reddy of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) says improper diet and lack of physical activity are major reasons for many health problems among the younger age group.
Marking the World Heart Day Sunday, Reddy and his group are spreading awareness through an exhibition being held at AIIMS. The theme of World Heart Day this year is 'Children, Adolescents, and Heart Disease'.
"Our aim is to make children aware that a healthy lifestyle and diet at a young age will have an impact on your health when you are 30-40 years," said Reddy, who has been advocating a diet of more green vegetables and fruits among children in 300 New Delhi schools.
"We need to have a food policy in India regulating the use of trans-fat and saturated fats, and instead advocate the use of hydrogenated oil. Many countries have such regulations. We also need to have a food policy to make fruits and vegetables available at affordable prices to the poor people," he said.
Foods like white bread, biscuits, pizzas, and recycled oil contain trans fats that are particularly harmful to heart health.
While the risk factor for heart diseases in India is the same as globally, Indians are genetically predisposed to health problems like diabetes, though not much is known about the reasons.
Undernourishment, changing lifestyle from sedentary to an aggressive and stress-prone life, as well as a high-cholesterol diet and smoking, all add to the risk factor.
One-third of people with a heart problem in India tend to get added complications of diabetes as against 18-20 percent globally, said Gambhir.
Around 50 percent of people dying of cardiovascular problems in India are in the 30-64 age group as against 20 percent below 70 years in the US, said Reddy, who has co-authored a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine about how low-birth-weight children who put on weight early in life are more prone to diabetes.
These children can also develop heart problems.
Urging a nationwide effort to promote a healthy lifestyle, Reddy said in India around 60 percent of urban adults are prone to one or more risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. In rural areas, it is 30-35 percent.
The high consumption of tobacco and smoking as well as pollution are some major reasons for heart problems in India.
"What is worrying is that younger and younger people are getting heart problems. Half of people with hypertension don't know if they have any problem," said Mukesh Batra of Dr. Batras' Positive Health Clinic Ltd, which has just launched a corporate package for regular check-ups.
"People working in corporates and under great stress are more liable to suffer heart problems as well as strokes and kidney problems," said Batra, who believes homeopathy offers a better treatment choice as against allopathic medicines.
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From India, Delhi
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Saturday, September 25, 12:14 PM
Changing Lifestyles Damaging Young Hearts
By Lola Nayar, Indo-Asian News Service
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) For the couch potatoes, the new TV icon Jasmeet Walia nee Jassi's advice is to walk at least one hour every day to keep their heart fit and fighting.
More physical activity along with a healthy diet is the advice of cardiologists who point to a disquieting rise in heart problems among people under 40 years of age.
Of 16.7 million annual deaths globally due to cardiovascular diseases, India accounts for around three million.
"Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in people under 40 years suffering heart problems," said D.S. Gambhir, CEO, and director of cardiology at the Kailash Heart Institute at Noida near the Indian capital.
"What is more, unlike in the case of older people, the younger people seem to have extensive diseases with not one but two or all three coronary arteries having problems," Gambhir told IANS.
So when the young have a heart attack, the damage is more extensive, he said.
Spearheading awareness among school children for the last several years through his NGO Hriday, cardiologist K. Srinath Reddy of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) says improper diet and lack of physical activity are major reasons for many health problems among the younger age group.
Marking the World Heart Day Sunday, Reddy and his group are spreading awareness through an exhibition being held at AIIMS. The theme of World Heart Day this year is 'Children, Adolescents, and Heart Disease'.
"Our aim is to make children aware that a healthy lifestyle and diet at a young age will have an impact on your health when you are 30-40 years," said Reddy, who has been advocating a diet of more green vegetables and fruits among children in 300 New Delhi schools.
"We need to have a food policy in India regulating the use of trans-fat and saturated fats, and instead advocate the use of hydrogenated oil. Many countries have such regulations. We also need to have a food policy to make fruits and vegetables available at affordable prices to the poor people," he said.
Foods like white bread, biscuits, pizzas, and recycled oil contain trans fats that are particularly harmful to heart health.
While the risk factor for heart diseases in India is the same as globally, Indians are genetically predisposed to health problems like diabetes, though not much is known about the reasons.
Undernourishment, changing lifestyle from sedentary to an aggressive and stress-prone life, as well as a high-cholesterol diet and smoking, all add to the risk factor.
One-third of people with a heart problem in India tend to get added complications of diabetes as against 18-20 percent globally, said Gambhir.
Around 50 percent of people dying of cardiovascular problems in India are in the 30-64 age group as against 20 percent below 70 years in the US, said Reddy, who has co-authored a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine about how low-birth-weight children who put on weight early in life are more prone to diabetes.
These children can also develop heart problems.
Urging a nationwide effort to promote a healthy lifestyle, Reddy said in India around 60 percent of urban adults are prone to one or more risk factors for heart disease and heart attack. In rural areas, it is 30-35 percent.
The high consumption of tobacco and smoking as well as pollution are some major reasons for heart problems in India.
"What is worrying is that younger and younger people are getting heart problems. Half of people with hypertension don't know if they have any problem," said Mukesh Batra of Dr. Batras' Positive Health Clinic Ltd, which has just launched a corporate package for regular check-ups.
"People working in corporates and under great stress are more liable to suffer heart problems as well as strokes and kidney problems," said Batra, who believes homeopathy offers a better treatment choice as against allopathic medicines.
Email this article to your friend - View most popular
From India, Delhi
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Namaskar Jogeshwar ji,
I strongly agree with you... Yes, most of the time, the materialistic world ignores the real value. The growth of our country is misperceived in terms of only MNCs' ideas and the implementation of those. :)
Regards
From India, Madras
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I strongly agree with you... Yes, most of the time, the materialistic world ignores the real value. The growth of our country is misperceived in terms of only MNCs' ideas and the implementation of those. :)
Regards
From India, Madras
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Hello Seniors & Friends,
I am doing my MBA first year and new to the forum. Expect to learn a lot from you all. :)
By the way, today I came across this mail, so I thought I will start my posting with this content on a BOSS!
Scientists at the Rocket launching station in Thumba were in the habit of working for nearly 12 to 18 hours a day. There were about seventy such scientists working on a project. All the scientists were really frustrated due to the pressure of work and the demands of their boss, but everyone was loyal to him and did not think of quitting the job.
One day, one scientist came to his boss and told him - Sir, I have promised to my children that I will take them to the exhibition going on in our township. So I want to leave the office at 5:30 pm.
His boss replied - OK, You are permitted to leave the office early today.
The scientist started working. He continued his work after lunch. As usual, he got involved to such an extent that he looked at his watch when he felt he was close to completion. The time was 8:30 p.m. Suddenly he remembered the promise he had given to his children. He looked for his boss. He was not there. Having told him in the morning itself, he closed everything and left for home.
Deep within himself, he was feeling guilty for having disappointed his children.
He reached home. Children were not there. His wife alone was sitting in the hall and reading magazines. The situation was explosive; any talk would boomerang on him.
His wife asked him - Would you like to have coffee, or shall I straight away serve dinner if you are hungry.
The man replied - If you would like to have coffee, I too will have, but what about the children???
Wife replied - You don't know - Your manager came at 5:15 p.m and has taken the children to the exhibition.
What had really happened was the boss who granted him permission was observing him working seriously at 5:00 p.m. He thought to himself, this person will not leave the work, but if he has promised his children they should enjoy the visit to the exhibition. So he took the lead in taking them to the exhibition.
The boss does not have to do it every time. But once it is done, loyalty is established.
That is why all the scientists at Thumba continued to work under their boss even though the stress was tremendous.
By the way, can you hazard a guess as to who the boss was????????
He was A P J Abdul Kalam.
NOW, The President of INDIA
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I am doing my MBA first year and new to the forum. Expect to learn a lot from you all. :)
By the way, today I came across this mail, so I thought I will start my posting with this content on a BOSS!
Scientists at the Rocket launching station in Thumba were in the habit of working for nearly 12 to 18 hours a day. There were about seventy such scientists working on a project. All the scientists were really frustrated due to the pressure of work and the demands of their boss, but everyone was loyal to him and did not think of quitting the job.
One day, one scientist came to his boss and told him - Sir, I have promised to my children that I will take them to the exhibition going on in our township. So I want to leave the office at 5:30 pm.
His boss replied - OK, You are permitted to leave the office early today.
The scientist started working. He continued his work after lunch. As usual, he got involved to such an extent that he looked at his watch when he felt he was close to completion. The time was 8:30 p.m. Suddenly he remembered the promise he had given to his children. He looked for his boss. He was not there. Having told him in the morning itself, he closed everything and left for home.
Deep within himself, he was feeling guilty for having disappointed his children.
He reached home. Children were not there. His wife alone was sitting in the hall and reading magazines. The situation was explosive; any talk would boomerang on him.
His wife asked him - Would you like to have coffee, or shall I straight away serve dinner if you are hungry.
The man replied - If you would like to have coffee, I too will have, but what about the children???
Wife replied - You don't know - Your manager came at 5:15 p.m and has taken the children to the exhibition.
What had really happened was the boss who granted him permission was observing him working seriously at 5:00 p.m. He thought to himself, this person will not leave the work, but if he has promised his children they should enjoy the visit to the exhibition. So he took the lead in taking them to the exhibition.
The boss does not have to do it every time. But once it is done, loyalty is established.
That is why all the scientists at Thumba continued to work under their boss even though the stress was tremendous.
By the way, can you hazard a guess as to who the boss was????????
He was A P J Abdul Kalam.
NOW, The President of INDIA
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Hi Ghouse,
Welcome to CiteHR!
Dear Ghouse, you have posted an excellent topic. I feel very new whenever I read Mr. President's story. This story is a mega hit everywhere indeed. However, you made me feel like seeing the same film for the 5th time. The same story has been posted here many times, though I always agree it's truly wonderful.
Expecting to see more of your postings and replies. 😊
Regards
From India, Madras
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Welcome to CiteHR!
Dear Ghouse, you have posted an excellent topic. I feel very new whenever I read Mr. President's story. This story is a mega hit everywhere indeed. However, you made me feel like seeing the same film for the 5th time. The same story has been posted here many times, though I always agree it's truly wonderful.
Expecting to see more of your postings and replies. 😊
Regards
From India, Madras
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Most of the time, the materialistic world ignores the real value. The growth of our country is misperceived in terms of only MNC's ideas and their implementation.
Dear Atomleaf,
Thanks for your nice posts. I would like to request you to post your above view with elaboration under the thread "Human resource in Indian enterprise." You can find this thread either under the forum "Human resource management" or the topics under my name. Alternatively, I can paste the above quote under that thread so that it will appear with the current topics of discussion and you can continue. Please share your thoughts.
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Dear Atomleaf,
Thanks for your nice posts. I would like to request you to post your above view with elaboration under the thread "Human resource in Indian enterprise." You can find this thread either under the forum "Human resource management" or the topics under my name. Alternatively, I can paste the above quote under that thread so that it will appear with the current topics of discussion and you can continue. Please share your thoughts.
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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Hello Atom leaf, Thank you for all that. I am sorry, for I didn’t know that this story was already posted in the forum. However, as you said, we feel good by reading it again. Ghouse
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Dear Ghouse,
Hearty welcome to the forum. The episode might have been repeated, but your love for judiciousness is, by all means, new to us. May God bless you and give you the power to practice and propagate judiciousness in your life, which is the crying need of the day. I thank you again.
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
Hearty welcome to the forum. The episode might have been repeated, but your love for judiciousness is, by all means, new to us. May God bless you and give you the power to practice and propagate judiciousness in your life, which is the crying need of the day. I thank you again.
Regards,
Jogeshwar
From India, Delhi
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