A chief executive officer (CEO) holds the highest job position in a company or organisation and so the CEO has a huge amount of responsibility, as they are responsible for the success of the business.

The great thing about being a CEO is the ability to have the final say in any decisions, which will always go through them. CEO’s are responsible for creating, planning and running the strategic direction of the company which are all important factors in the decision-making process.

Every part of the business, incorporating all departments can be included in the decision process too. The CEO is crucial to the running of the business though and making the final decision, and they need to ensure that they are constantly aware of the competitor’s activity, change in markets, consumers, developments in the industry and quality standards, plus much more. As you can see already this is a very demanding and senior job to work in.

The role of a CEO will always be important to any company because they are responsible for ensuring objectives are met, while driving the vision and overall direction of the company.

A CEO will have to implement a strategy to allow the business to develop in the way that it needs to. They will work alongside the executive leaders and directors. They must ensure that the strategic plan is guiding the business in the correct direction, this will be continuously evaluated to ensure that the company is meeting its goals.

Regarding representation, a CEO represents the business to other professionals and the local community. They may also have to represent it on a national level but this is dependant on the size of the business. Other executive figures in the business may share some of this responsibility, but it is mainly the CEO.

Also, a CEO is required to report to a Board of Directors. These directors provide an advisory role for the CEO, but only if their help is needed. However, the CEO will need to demonstrate his or her role in leadership, to show how the business is moving to its success and reaching the goals that have been set.

14 Qualities Needed to Become a CEO

Must have excellent leadership skills to direct the business Be able to look at the business as a whole. They need to be able to link together various factors of the business Great vision to foresee beneficial factors for the business. They may be required to make decisions and take actions based on this Must be able to have the courage to make changes and lead them Hold high standards of ethics, even under pressure Self-awareness Resourcefulness with all materials available Have a good commercial sense regarding the market, consumers and competitors Must be good at strategic planning and goal setting to help the business set the right direction of where they want to be Excellent communication skills as this job will regularly require communication Self-confident with ability and expertise to ensure tasks get done to the best of your ability Ability to help others succeed in their tasks Motivational with staff and other team members Must be good at analysis, making judgements and decision-making

Becoming a CEO

Gain the right experience by looking for line jobs in business, rather than staff jobs. Companies rely on these as they find the customers and maintain their custom

Say yes to those in senior positions. By listening to the request, suggesting a solution and helping solve it sooner than expected, will impress

Show others that you appreciate the hard work they do. They will feel more valued in the company and as a result, work harder

Give credit to others where deserved as they will feel justly recognised for their efforts. It will also make them respect you for not stealing their credit

Send personal messages through handwritten notes. Personal communications will differentiate you, and show you have good manners.

Do something individualistic to make yourself stand out, this will give you a certain self-elitism

Spend an hour a day reviewing your goals to plan how to get things done

Don’t smoke as many consider it to be a self-centred interest

Never take work home from the office so that you can spend time with your family

Fill in any “data gaps” by talking to your customers and finding out what they want

Make sure you look the part by keeping up your appearance and maintaining your health

Opportunities

If you have what it takes to become a CEO, then browse through our Senior Executive Jobs today and apply online for the role of a CEO.