Navigating the Lonely Helm: Insights from a Four-Time CEO
Trees on a mountain seen through the fog
As I scroll through my news feed, I am seeing more stories of first-time CEOs stepping into their roles, reminding me of a poignant piece of advice from the late Reverend Marylen Stansbery, an Episcopal priest who once handed the reins of a small nonprofit to me. She warned, "It’s a lonely job, and you need to find an outlet for release." At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of her words.
My journey as a CEO has been marked by constant learning and adaptation. In 2019, when I assumed my current role, I stumbled upon an enlightening article from Harvard Business Review titled "The 3 Challenges Every New CEO Faces." The piece resonated deeply with me, reflecting on the stark reality that nearly half of all chief executives find the role startlingly different from their expectations.
The Core Challenges Faced by CEOs:
1. Unexpected Role Realities: The disconnect between what many CEOs anticipate and what they face can shake their tenure and impact performance. This realization explains why the median tenure of CEOs in major corporations is shortening.
2. Managing Energy and Time: Successful CEOs must master the art of energy management, dedicating time to activities that recharge them while steering clear of those that deplete their resources. This balance is crucial for efficiently navigating the demands of the role.
3. Building Strong Relationships with Board Members: Fostering robust relationships with board members is key. These interactions should be viewed as opportunities for gaining insights and support, transforming potential energy drains into sources of vitality.
4. Engagement with External Stakeholders: Establishing trust and maintaining relationships with stakeholders like investors, the media, and regulators is challenging but essential. Effective communication and frequent engagement are vital for adapting to changes that could influence the business.
5. Managing Information Flow: A CEO must meticulously manage the flow of information to ensure that accurate and necessary details reach the appropriate individuals. This balance between detailed, daily operations and broader strategic decisions is crucial for effective leadership.
Throughout my career, I've held the CEO position in different contexts, from nonprofit organizations to corporate settings, each bringing unique challenges and learning opportunities. For instance, I've navigated unexpected changes to retirement plans, shifts in community investment strategies, and crises like the aftermath of Michael Brown's tragic death in 2014. Even the onset of COVID-19 threw a wrench into my early days at a new bank position, proving that the role of a CEO is anything but predictable.
Despite these challenges, I've consistently tried to implement structured 90 or 100-day plans and annual strategic agendas, as recommended by leadership books and articles. While these plans provide a roadmap, the dynamic nature of business often requires abrupt adjustments and sometimes even a complete overhaul of strategies.
Being a CEO is not just about steering the ship; it’s about being prepared to navigate through storms, adjust your course as needed, and sometimes endure the loneliness of command with resilience and foresight. The journey is challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it can also be extraordinarily rewarding.