What Help Do CEO’s Need?

“The affected group normally knows best what they need.”

I like to conduct some research on a topic before I share my curated thoughts. Research on this subject required more effort than I expected. The results of my Google search, “What do CEOs need help with?”, were a series of articles that provided input to CEOs rather than a consensus from CEOs. I reworded the question to “What do CEOs say they need help with?” The answers were the same. I focused on a combination of two articles meant to convey the help CEOs need. Because I did not fully concur with the article’s answers, I had to rely on my professional experience and current interactions with CEOs to frame my impressions.

While I am not saying the article’s inputs are incorrect, my experiences are incongruent with the results. I will attempt to address both.

What Help CEOs Need

Decision Formulation vs. Decision-making. I have yet to meet a CEO who needs help making decisions. Most CEOs already know what they envision and have ‘walked the dog’ from beginning to end. So, what’s the problem? Decision formulation that creates buy-in. Good leaders avoid making critical decisions in the silos of their minds but seek input from key leaders and board members. This preps the battlefield for buy-in later when the final decision must be made and plans designed.

Strategic Translation vs. Strategic Alignment. How do you translate strategic vision into operational objectives for tactical execution? My vision and verbiage as a Colonel strategic leader were vastly different than the tactical thoughts and language I had as a Captain (Regional Manager). As a Colonel-level CEO, I used my staff to bridge the gap between command levels by creating operational objectives that regional managers could understand, explain, plan for, and execute. That is what created the alignment with each level.

Technology Innovation vs. Technology Integration. Unfortunately, by the time most technology is integrated into an organization, it’s already obsolete due to the rate of change. In the Army, noncommissioned officer (NCO) ingenuity fueled technology integration in the current battle. This allowed officers to focus on technological innovation to address tomorrow’s problems, informed by SWOT analysis, research and development (R&D), and strategic thinking.

• What are the current opportunities and threats to your organization that impact your vision and the future?
• What R&D initiatives are in the pipeline that can help with your innovation?
• What big thoughts are your strategic thinkers presenting to you to make your big dreams a reality?  

The Final Say on CEO Help

Regardless of what I or any number of articles believe CEOs need help with, CEOs know best what they require. Do CEOs need help? Heck yes, because it is the most challenging job a professional might have. I would encourage the leaders and managers of any organization to anticipate ways to help the CEO. I would also implore board members to support, encourage, and constructively challenge the CEO. Both are what made me a better CEO.

#CEOhelp #CEOchallenge #leaderdevelopment #organizationalgrowth #vision