“CEO Excellence” by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller and Vikram Malhotra is a comprehensive guide for those leaders who want to understand the qualities and skills that define successful CEOs. The book is based on extensive research and interviews with more than 200 CEOs from around the world and provides a unique perspective on what it takes to be an exceptional CEO.
The book is arranged by six mindsets required for CEO excellence.
 | Direction-setting mindset is about creating a compelling vision for the organization and setting clear goals to achieve that vision. |
 | Organization alignment mindset focuses on creating a culture of alignment and accountability within the organization, where everyone is focused on achieving the same goals and working together to execute the strategy. |
 | Mobilizing leadership mindset empowers and inspires others to take action and achieve extraordinary results. |
 | Board engagement mindset is about building a collaborative and productive relationship with the board of directors, leveraging their expertise and perspectives to drive strategic decision-making and achieve organizational goals. |
 | Stakeholder connection mindset is about building strong and meaningful relationships with stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the broader community. |
 | Personal effectiveness mindset, to develop the self-awareness, resilience, and learning mindset necessary to be an effective leader. |
The authors have done an excellent job of distilling the insights from their research into a practical guide for leaders. The book is well-organized and easy to read, with real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the key concepts. The authors also provide useful tools and frameworks that readers can use to develop their own leadership skills.
Personally, as an Enterprise Architect, I found “CEO Excellence” to be an insightful and engaging read. The book provides a comprehensive overview of what it takes to be a successful CEO, priorities, expectations, approaches where the authors’ research and interviews with top leaders add depth and credibility. Whether or not you aspire to be a CEO, “CEO Excellence” provides invaluable leadership skills and insights that one can apply to their own role as well as being intentional to support the CEO.
“CEO Excellence” is a must-read for leaders who want to understand what it takes to be an exceptional CEO. The book provides practical advice and real-world examples that illustrate the key qualities and skills needed for success. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting your career, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to excel as a leader. I highly recommend it.
Additional Information:
Readers who want to learn more about the authors and their work can visit their website at www.ceoexcellence.com. The book is available for purchase online and at major bookstores.
Favorite Quotes (Paraphrased):
Introduction
- CEO’S who rank in the top 20% generate on average 2.8 times more total return to shareholders in each year of their tenure.
- CEO’s challenges today are greater with rapid changes in digital transformation, workforce re-training, cyber security, social media, employee well being, racial diversity, and inclusion
Direction Setting Mindset – Be Bold
- Great leaders have a vision for what they want their organizations to achieve, but they also know that their success depends on their ability to communicate that vision in a way that inspires and motivates others.
- The best CEOs are exceptional futurists, keep an eye on the downside, act like an owner, and regularly apply heart paddles.
Organization Alignment Mindset – Treat the soft stuff as the hard stuff
- CEOs must find and over communicate the “One Thing” that will shift culture.
- There is power in handwritten notes.
- CEOs need to be involved to mentor, coach, and nurture top talent.
Mobilizing Leadership Mindset – Solve for the teams psychology
- Co-operation not competition drives growth.
- CEOs who focus on team composition, are able to leverage the strengths of each team member and create a culture of continuous learning and growth.
- The most successful CEOs use their operating rhythm to create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, where team members are empowered to take ownership of their work and are held to high standards.
Board Engagement Mindset – Help directors help the business
- CEOs must work to ensure that the board has the right mix of skills and experiences to support the organization’s goals and objectives.
- CEOs who prioritize board relationships are able to tap into the board’s collective wisdom and experience, and they are better equipped to navigate complex challenges and opportunities.
- CEOs should work closely with the board to ensure that meetings are structured to promote collaboration and that board members have the information they need to make informed decisions about the organization’s future.
Stakeholder Connection Mindset – Start with “why?”
- Purpose-driven companies outperform their peers on multiple dimensions, including financial results, innovation, customer loyalty, and employee engagement.
- Social purpose can be a powerful driver of innovation and growth, as it challenges companies to think differently about their role in society and identify new opportunities for value creation.
- Leaders must stay elevated in moments of truth, focusing on the big picture and maintaining a long-term perspective, while also being attentive to the details and making informed decisions based on data and insights.
Personal Effectiveness Mindset – Do what only you can do
- Managing energy is not about adding more hours to the day, but about focusing on what matters most and using your time wisely.
- Living your to-be list requires a willingness to be vulnerable, to admit your mistakes, and to be open to feedback and learning.
- Leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to listen, learn, and adapt to new information and perspectives.