The Difference Between Business Players and True CEOs

There is a clear difference between those who play business and those who truly lead as CEOs.

I wanted to share with you a story of two clients I had in the retail industry. One had been in business for 25 years, weathering various economic crises, while the other had only been in business for a few years. The very different approaches and outcomes of these two CEOs highlight the importance of genuine leadership and commitment to one's employees and community.?

The pandemic caused many disruptions in business and brought to light the strengths and weaknesses in the leadership approaches of many business owners. Industries like retail, which heavily rely on consumer behavior, faced significant challenges. Managing something like a requires a hands-on approach and adaptability.?

One of these clients had been playing in business for only a few years. He didn’t really take his role of CEO seriously and demonstrated a lack of true leadership, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. They made decisions solely based on financial concerns, reducing employee salaries and cutting back on contracted services. This approach neglected the importance of supporting employees and protecting the community.

In contrast, the other client, who had been a CEO for 25 years, exemplified genuine leadership and a commitment to their business and employees. This CEO had weathered previous economic crises, seeking guidance from a business therapist and consistently showing up for their business and staff. They took personal responsibility for difficult decisions, ensuring the well-being of their employees. When the pandemic struck, they proactively developed forecasts and worst-case scenarios, all while prioritizing employee safety and retention. Instead of reducing contracted services, this CEO even offered financial support to their service providers, highlighting their dedication to the well-being of their community.

These two CEOs are a single example of the transformative shift in your business and the lives of your employees when you go from playing in business to becoming a true CEO.?

Being a true CEO means more than just playing in business for financial gain. It requires dedication, resilience, and a commitment to the well-being of employees and the community. The difference between playing and leading becomes evident in times of crisis when true CEOs step up, make tough decisions, and prioritize the long-term sustainability of their businesses. By embracing this mindset, CEOs can not only weather storms but also create thriving businesses that positively impact their employees, customers, and communities. So ask yourself, are you playing in business, or are you the true CEO of your enterprise? The answer could shape the future of your business and the lives it touches.