The Three Types of CEOs: Lessons from My Father

In 2018, as I embarked on my journey as the Director of Studies at a Tunisian/British communication school, my father imparted wisdom that has resonated with me throughout my career. His insights into the different types of CEOs have shaped my understanding of leadership and influenced how I navigate my professional relationships.

As a past commercial Director at an international company in Tunisia, he experienced this firsthand. That's why he shared this advice to help me avoid conflicts with CEOs. I will share the details with you, and it's up to you to decide how to handle your CEO. Remember, leadership is like a game, and you hold a crucial role.

The Autocratic CEO

Let's delve into the first type of CEO my father taught me about autocratic CEO. This leader is known for listening to your input but ultimately disregarding it, convinced that he alone holds the correct answer. He makes decisions independently, often without considering the perspectives of his team. My early encounters with such leaders were challenging. I recall proposing innovative ideas and dismissing them without consideration. It was frustrating, but it taught me the importance of resilience and the need to persist in voicing my thoughts, even when they seemed to fall on deaf ears. This CEO does not perceive himself as autocratic, as his ego prevents him from acknowledging it.

The Collaborative CEO

The second type my father described is the collaborative CEO. This leader listens attentively, values your input, and empowers you to lead decision-making processes. They trust their team and evaluate them based on the results. I was fortunate to work under such a CEO early in my career. He encouraged open dialogue and fostered a culture of mutual respect and trust. This experience was transformative. It allowed me to grow, take risks, and learn from my successes and failures. Under his guidance, I developed confidence in my abilities and learned the value of collaboration.

The Manipulative CEO

The third type, which my father deemed the smartest, is the manipulative CEO. This leader allows you to express your ideas and seemingly make decisions, but you execute their predetermined plans. They make you feel empowered, even though they orchestrate the outcome from the start. My experience with such a CEO was eye-opening. At first, I felt a sense of autonomy and accomplishment, believing that my ideas drove the company forward. However, as time passed, I realized the subtle manipulation at play. While initially disillusioned, this taught me a crucial lesson in understanding an organization's power dynamics and influence.

Reflections and Takeaways

Reflecting on these experiences, I recognize their profound impact on my leadership style. Each type of CEO presented unique challenges and learning opportunities. Autocratic leaders taught me persistence and the importance of standing by my ideas. Collaborative leaders taught me the power of trust and the strength of working together. Manipulative leaders, albeit in a more complex way, highlighted the significance of understanding underlying motives and the importance of genuine empowerment.

As I continue my journey, I strive to embody the best qualities of these leadership styles. I aim to be a leader who listens genuinely, values collaboration and empowers my team while maintaining transparency and integrity. My father's lessons have been invaluable, providing a framework for navigating the complex world of leadership and management. They serve as a reminder that leadership is not just about making decisions but about fostering an environment where everyone, including you, feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Your role is crucial in this process.

Thank you, Papa, for supporting me in my professional career and giving me pieces of advice!