Calling Yourself A CEO Doesn’t Make You One
Are you a pretend CEO? If so, listen up:
Just because you call yourself a CEO doesn’t make you one.
For one thing, if a board of directors doesn’t name you chief executive officer of a real corporation, you’re sort of like a silly little kid playing grownup. More importantly, you’re probably misrepresenting your abilities, as well.
If you don’t have these seven concepts down, you may want to think about changing your Twitter and LinkedIn profiles. And I definitely wouldn’t quit my day job just yet, either.
That comes from Steve Tobak. He’s a former senior executive from the high-tech industry. Should you doubt his chops or need to compare bulges (as in biceps) here’s his bio.
Here are Tobak’s seven concepts you need to nail:
- Your product is your brand. You’re not…
- If you can’t sell your vision. Nobody will buy it…
- You always have to have enough money in the bank…
- You must focus on doing one thing better than anyone…
- Business is about understanding people…
- You have to know what you’re doing…
- You’ve got to hire, motivate and retain talented people…
This list is a teaser. Now, go do you homework and digest the full version of Tobak’s 7 Concepts Every CEO Has to Nail. And, “[d]on’t be in such a hurry to call yourself a CEO. Better off becoming one first.”
If you work for a pretend CEO remember that leadership is not about title, position or authority. Real leadership is about inspiring active participation in YOUR vision. Nothing stops you from leading and managing up. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Don’t wait for training. Find ways to actively develop your own capacity to lead. Check out Leadership Tomorrow or programs like this in your own city. I’m an alumnus of Leadership Skagit.
Tobak’s article struck a cord with me. What about you? Do you work for a pretend CEO or inept leader or manager? This can be a growth opportunity for you. If you’re not quitting then you just might be learning some valuable lessons. What are they? How are you surviving and thriving? Please share your “workaround” with me.
Related Reading
7 Reasons You Can’t Learn Leadership on Your Own by Brian Evje:
Many see themselves as tremendously effective leaders, but they are actually tremendous egotists.
Why True Leaders Are So Rare by Steve Tobak
You can’t lead the herd and be part of the herd at the same time. Biology doesn’t work that way. You’re either a leader or a follower. Simple as that.