Why You Should Become A CEO

For the past twenty years I've coached and counseled people in career and business endeavors. During this time, I identified several characteristics that comprise the CEO profile. Upon greater reflection, and deeper study, I've come to realize that CEOs are often not entrepreneurs, but can be entrepreneurial. 

 

The CEO is more of an engineer who creates/sees the vision and works through others to fulfill it, or a conductor who keeps the train on track and moving toward profitable business opportunities.

 

Do you have what it takes to be a CEO? Maybe. Maybe not. Should you become a CEO? Definitely. Here's why:

I believe that everyone can be a CEO.  It doesn't matter what the company is. In fact, it doesn't even matter how well the company does (though success will present a unique set of challenges). What matters is that it's an undertaking of your own; one for which you are truly accountable in a way that your job will never allow you to be.

 

When you think of being a CEO, think of it in terms of your vision and definition. For example, for me the 'E' in CEO stands for educator. I'm an educator at heart, and education drives my every interest.

 

How you envision yourself as a CEO will enable you to take purposeful actions to create real value for others, and yourself. And finally, being a CEO will force you out of your comfort zone, stretch your capabilities, and force you to grow. Even if you just view yourself as the CEO of Y-O-U.

 

Below, Adam Bryant, author of Tips From The Corner Office, shares his 5 key characteristics of a CEO.