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 Prerequisites
In the course of the interview, the participants described factors they believed were particularly significant in their preparation for fulfilling the role of CEO.
The personal attributes that emerged from the interviews included six qualities that the CEOs felt were instrumental to their success.
- Integrity
- Courage
- Intellectual Curiosity and Continuous Learning
- Resilience
- Self-awareness and Humility
- Dispassionate Compassion
The participants described a second set of factors required to prepare for the CEO role that included the skills, competencies and lessons learned from prior career experiences. Nine specific past experiences repeatedly were cited as those that were pivotal to the readiness and confidence of the CEO in his/her new role.
- Living and Working Outside the United States
- Running a Standalone P&L
- Having Strong Foundational Competence, Especially Strategy
- Leading Frontline Operations
- Having Experience in All Aspects of the Business
- Working with Different Constituencies
- Sitting on Other Boards
- Learning Through People
- Learning Through Crises
The third factor that emerged from the study included the management practices each of the participants developed and adopted over time in various leadership roles. The CEOs believe it is these practices that make a significant contribution to establishing a consistent course for the enterprise.
- Engage and Motivate Others Without Relying on Financial Rewards or Threats
- Let Go of Things I Used to Do Well
- Be Clear About the Behaviors and Competencies I Want to See in Others—and Serve as a Role Model
- Be Clear and Relentless About Our Direction
- Provide Others with Timely Feedback and Acknowledgement
- Encourage Divergent Opinions
- Assess and Act on Competency and Performance Issues
- Use Candor in Communications
- Collaborate
This section of the book presents a treasure trove of information on what it takes to be a successful CEO, on what successful CEOs actually do, and what experiences were found to be most valuable in preparing for the job. To learn more, purchase a copy of Preparing CEOs for Success — “What I Wish I Knew”