In the News
Leslie Braksick, Ph.D. – invited speaker and book signing at The Center for Community Solutions’ 69th annual Human Services Institute, March 31, 2011. Topic was Advice from top CEO’s: What They Wish They Had Known
Co-Author, Leslie Braksick, Ph.D., contributes to several recent articles
CNBC “Fast Money” and
Richard Quest of CNN International
interview William R. Johnson
Leslie W. Braksick, Ph.D. interview with Michael Dresser — “Dresser After Dark”, air date July 13, 2010
Leslie Braksick interviewed for Women in Business Report during the
Opening Bell Report on WCBS-AM,
August 4, 5 6, 9 and 10.
CEO Handbook
This part of Preparing CEOs for Success — “What I Wish I Knew” highlights a handbook of advice by the participating top global leaders. Presented as eight mini-reports, the CEO Handbook can be easily read and referenced as part of a company's senior executive development processes.
- Preparing Well For The Job
While there is not a specific recipe for becoming CEO, the study participants reflected on the leadership assignments and experiences that they felt were key to their preparedness.
- The Handoff From The Previous Chairman/CEO
The handoff from one CEO to the next is a particularly important time, not only for the individuals involved, but for the organization. A change in leadership brings other changes, sometimes welcomed and sometimes feared. How the transition period is handled can influence the early days of a new CEO's tenure. In general, it is key to acknowledge the successes of your predecessor and to respect the past, while clearly building upon it in new ways.
- Leading Your Team
Given their strong focus on cultivating people and their teams, it is not surprising that the CEOs in the study reported spending significant time and energy on “people issues.” The study participants shared their learnings in the areas of selecting, aligning, developing, and leading their senior teams.
- Working With Your Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is a primary stakeholder group for the CEO. As such, the study participants reported spending significant time and energy preparing for and interacting with the Board. The CEOs emphasized that their roles include working with the Board and its collective dynamics, while at the same time developing working relationships with each individual Board member. Both the collective Board relationship and the unique individual member relationships are integral to effective governance.
- Being CEO To The Outside World
Inherent in the position, the CEO is the name, face, and voice of the company to the outside world and to all external stakeholders. What the CEO says and does on significant occasions, is synonymous with the company, and as the incumbent is judged, so is the company. The CEOs commented that it is critical to be honest and transparent when they represent their companies to the outside world.
- Combating The Isolation Of The Job
A major factor in CEO isolation is the change in personal and professional relationships when one becomes CEO. Even long-term relationships and friendships are affected, causing the new CEO to feel more isolated than ever. The study participants shared that their feelings of isolation in the role fundamentally result from people behaving differently around them and treating them differently once they became CEO.
- Managing The Work-Life Imbalance
The job of CEO is demanding in every sense of the word. It requires physical, mental, and emotional stamina, which often surprised the CEOs. The participants described the variety of demands the job places on them and the work-life balance challenges they and their families face as a result.
- Do's and Don'ts For Your Succession
In many ways, the CEOs have been preparing their entire careers, perhaps longer, for the opportunity to become CEO. The study participants offered unprecedented insight into areas they felt well prepared to handle and areas they felt less well prepared. In their interviews, they shared what they learned about themselves and how well they fit into the new role. They also shared what they learned about others' expectations for them and what others needed from them. They candidly spoke about the obstacles a new CEO faces during the first two years on the job and highlight 13 Do's and Don'ts for your succession.