Becoming a business leader is a career-defining moment, one that’s highly rewarding and incredibly exciting. But if you’re becoming a CEO for the first time, this new responsibility can be equally stressful and challenging as well. Suddenly, you must become more optimistic, decisive, a good listener, a great team-builder, and capable of finding new opportunities based on assessed risks, all of which can be quite difficult to achieve. To make this process easier and help you ensure success, here are some simple steps every new CEO should take:
Define your leadership brand
As a CEO, you will likely be defined by the themes you promote and the approaches you take in driving agendas and delivering messages. Initial communication, particularly initial actions, will likely represent what you stand for and reflect your brand. Make sure that the message you send is the right one. Communication will be relevant both in terms of your personal values such as communication style, approachability, and humility, as well as strategic themes like transformation, growth, and cost focus. However, remember that actions will speak louder than words, so always lead by example.
Clearly establish important roles
As a CEO, you should focus on delegation and leadership rather than being caught up in all aspects of daily operations. Of course, you should know and understand the company well, but it’s also vital to refrain from micromanaging and spending too much time on unnecessary areas that could be handled elsewhere. Instead, focus on learning which individuals fit well into which areas. Then, aim to find the best possible uses for people’s talents in an effort to increase their productivity and value, and thus the company’s overall efficiency.
Build bonds with board members
The board can be a wonderful source of guidance for a new CEO. Try to build strong relationships with your board members in an effort to gain some feedback, advice, and support you may need throughout this journey. Call and email board members regularly, schedule lunches and dinners, or host special events. You could even invest in corporate car hire to transport these important business partners in style. A chauffeured ride tailored to the event can win your board members’ hearts. Make an effort to engage your directors creatively outside the formal boardroom setting, and build lasting relationships.
Lead through strong teams
One of the most important aspects of becoming a CEO is building a great leadership team. But instead of focusing on high-performing individuals that are responsible for individual functions, aim to build a more interactive team that prioritizes the delivery of value. A strong team that works together across functions in order to create value for all stakeholders is also a team that can successfully represent the interests of a wide array of associates. Making results and value a priority will come with greater growth opportunities, while also being an excellent way to prepare your organization for the future.
Consider coaching opportunities
Executive coaches can also be a brilliant resource for novice CEOs. As a neutral observer, a coach will be able to provide constructive criticism and valuable feedback that you might be lacking from your team members. They could also help you develop and enhance the necessary skills for adapting to the role of a CEO, such as listening, time management, responsibility delegation, and conflict management. Don’t think that coaching is only necessary when something isn’t working optimally; even the best CEOs can benefit from a great coach if they want to become stronger leaders.
Remain calm and collected
Every business will experience certain successes and failures at different points, and it’s entirely natural for executives to notice these fluctuations. If you ever feel similar turbulences, it’s vital for you to stay balanced and understand what your emotions truly mean. The role of a CEO can be particularly stressful; it requires plenty of focus and can burn you out quickly if you experience the highs and lows dramatically. Instead, try to be as calm and collected as possible in turbulent times. Apart from saving your own health, wiser decisions will benefit the viability and success of the business as well, which is ultimately your main job.
With endless responsibilities and high expectations, the beginning of a CEO’s career can be particularly challenging. If you want to leave a good impression and lead the company to success, start by building a strong foundation.