Are You Ready to Be CEO?

“The view from the top is great—until you realize the air is thinner, and the fall is steeper.”

Let’s face it—most of us have, at some point, imagined ourselves in the CEO’s chair. But is the corner office really where you're headed, or is it just a daydream? Becoming a CEO might sound glamorous, but it’s not all about power suits and boardroom swagger. It’s about stepping up, making tough decisions, and carrying the weight of an entire organization on your shoulders. The organization is big or small does’nt matter, its your own ability to shoulder the nuances which matters most.?

So, how do you know if you’re really cut out for the job?? Before you put "CEO-in-waiting" on your LinkedIn, let’s do a quick reality check on what it truly takes to be the top boss.

1. Decision-making: Are You the Decider?

CEOs make tough calls, often with limited information. If your idea of decision-making is choosing between vanilla and chocolate at the office ice cream bar, well… there’s some work to do. Can you make high-stakes decisions, stand by them, and own the outcomes—whether good, bad, or ugly?? Are you the one which is perpetually into Analysis Paralysis…or the one who would surely take informed …but quick decisions !? Not everything would be available on platter or on demand.

Trait to Develop: Courageous decision-making….and standing by your decisions. And maybe practice with something harder than ice cream.? ??

2. Vision: Are You Seeing the Bigger Picture?

CEOs aren’t just focused on today. You’ve got to set your eyes on tomorrow, next quarter, and the next five years. If you’re stuck in the daily grind, only solving today’s problems, it’s time to lift your head and look further down the road.? You need to be an entrepreneur and not someone who is just pursuing the top shot for glamour and great perks.? You are the Organization.

Trait to Develop: Entrepreneurial Thought process and Strategic foresight. Also, maybe get a pair of metaphorical binoculars.

3. Resilience: Can You Take the Heat?

The CEO role isn’t a cushy job with a big paycheck and the occasional TV interview, or the evergreen conferences – virtual or physical. It’s long hours, constant pressure, and sometimes being the scapegoat. What is your Energy levels….and How thick is your skin? Your energy has to be awe inspiring waking the dead up from their coffins.? And if a tough meeting ruins your day, you’ll need to work on that. CEOs must bounce back from failure like a rubber ball.? We had something called a crazy ball when we were young….which bounced up crazily….are you that ball !

Trait to Develop: Emotional resilience. And a hobby that lets you blow off steam, like running, any physical sports, or meditation… maybe all three.

4. Empathy: Can You Lead a Diverse Team?

In the CEO role, you’re leading everyone—from the interns to the management...and Yes, managing the board of directors as well. You’ll need to understand different perspectives and bring out the best in people, even those with conflicting viewpoints. If you can’t listen, you don’t have empathy, you won’t lead…you will only manage. ?The entire Team is looking upon you….do your own ethics and integrity define you…do they see you as a role model …as someone they would like to be….One day for sure !

Trait to Develop: Empathy. Be genuinely empathetic, Bonus points for developing active listening skills. And no, just nodding and saying “I hear you” won’t cut it….people around you are intelligent enough to make out the difference…in your superfluous act…or genuinity of approach.

5. Risk Management: Do You Have a Healthy Appetite for Risk?

CEOs can’t play it safe all the time. They need to take calculated risks to drive the company forward. But not every risk is worth taking. If you’re more of a “let’s wait and see” type, you might miss big opportunities.? And sometimes less is more, be ready to take decisions with less information to your liking…and stand by them.

Trait to Develop: Risk appetite. Start small—maybe test your bravery with sushi from the cafeteria first.

6. Accountability: Can You Handle the Blame Game?

As CEO, when things go wrong (and they will), all eyes are on you. Can you own it, fix it, and move forward without throwing your team under the bus? Leadership is about taking responsibility, even when the mess isn’t directly your fault.

Trait to Develop: Accountability. And, trust me, humility will come in handy here.? Stand by, and for your team…always !

7. Communication: Can You Inspire, Engage and Influence?

A great CEO needs to rally the troops and inspire confidence across the organization…passionately. Your ability to communicate clearly, both the good and the bad, will determine how well you lead through good times and crisis. Can you turn strategy into a story that excites and motivates?? I keep telling one and all, its not only about Strategy, its your ability to Execute which makes the difference.? So are you also the Ctrl+C / Ctrl+V on strategy…or are you the one who will ensure Delivery and Execution !

Trait to Develop: People person – Are you the bagpiper inspiring the flock to go with you.? Storytelling. If you can make budget and strategy reports sound inspiring, you’re halfway there.

So, do you have what it takes? Whether you're a seasoned CXO or a manager looking to climb the ranks, developing these traits is essential. Remember, becoming a CEO / CXO isn’t about just getting promoted; it’s about growing into the leader your organization needs. Plus, you’ll earn the right to wear those fancy CEO socks someday—because let’s be real, that’s the real goal, right?

“Remember, CEOs aren’t born—they’re built. And if you’re willing to go the last mile, that corner office might just have your name on it ..... soon enough.”

?All the very best ...stay blessed !