We love this article by McKinsey Stepping Up: Becoming a High Potential CEO Candidate. If you do a quick search on the web, it is one of the few articles about becoming a CEO that is not trite. Ok, the Everest analogy is wearing a bit thin, but it remains accurate. The article’s ideas are sensible, on point, and give strong insight into the high expectations of CEOs.
The article has 4 guiding statements for would be CEOs. We’ve trimmed the details down to the highlights below but suggest you read the article for a full perspective.
- Take a gut check of your motivations and expectations.
- Ego is not a sustainable motivation
| Topic | Unsustainable motivation | Sustainable motivation |
| Why I want to be CEO | It’s the next step and comes with more power, money, and esteem | I have an exciting vision for the impact the company and I can achieve together |
| What being chosen as CEO would mean | I’ve proven myself and attained my ultimate goal | It’s a privilege to serve as CEO for the company’s next chapter |
| What not being chosen as CEO would mean | I lost the race, am not CEO material, and have let others down | I’m becoming the best I can be, even if I’m not the right fit here |
| How I’ll add value as CEO | I’ll solve the tough problems that no one else can | I’ll ask the tough questions that unlock the full potential of others |
| How I’ll feel as CEO | I’ll feel like the center of the action, with people around me to help | I’ll feel lonely because of my vantage point and need for objectivity |
| How I’ll act as CEO | I’ll be the boss and can run the place the way I want to | I’ll be responsive to all stakeholders and accountable for everything |
- Elevate your perspective while boldly delivering results.
- Deliver on your daily job
- Apply a broader perspective of the future, the company, and its stakeholders
- Be bold – always
- Round out your profile with humility
- Objectively assess your capabilities versus what is needed
- Fill your skill gaps and gauge your progress
- Refuse to play politics in the process
- Understand the CEO selection process and put your best foot forward.
- Every interaction is part of the interview process
- Provide bold perspectives
- Authenticity matters – you might be able to fake and interview, but you can’t fake being a CEO
Regardless of the stage of leadership you are at, and even if you don’t aspire to be a CEO, the four guiding statements are a healthy check on your leadership. Its the journey to the next level of leadership that that provides the learning and insights that change you forever.
