There are skills one has to adapt to be an effective and efficient CEO. Anyone can be a CEO. “It’s within everyone’s grasp to be a CEO,” says Martha Stewart. The most common skills are decision-making, being the leader of the team, and communication. Some CEOs are born with these skills while others have to acquire them through consistent practice. As a CEO, you have to remind yourself it's not always about you and you should practice servant leadership.
We asked entrepreneurs what critical skills one must have to be a CEO and here are the awesome responses.
#1- Being adaptable
Instead of the typical traits – leadership, vision, and communication—you need to be adaptable, customer-centric, and humble. I also believe in the power of networking and learning from those who possess greater expertise in certain areas. With my experience as the co-founder of Glice, an eco-friendly synthetic ice company that's sold 3000+ rinks in 100+ countries, I've learned that perfectionism isn't the key to a top-notch product. It's about understanding and adapting to what people want.
Thanks to Viktor Meier, Glice!
#2- Patience, KPIs, creativity, and vision
The essential skills needed to be a CEO are Patience, KPIs, creativity, and vision. You must have patience with your employees, your products, and your processes. Apart from patience, KPIs allow CEOs to quickly pivot when needed or increase things that are working well. As a CEO you must be able to be creative and innovative with your ideas, tweaks, and changes within the business. Also, vision for the company and future-based thinking is something that every CEO must have the ability to do.
Thanks to Trae Cunningham, Bosses in Beauty!
#3- Being persistent
When it comes to the qualities CEOs need, I start with persistence. Then efficiency and decisiveness. This is not to say that listening and interpersonal skills aren’t important. But a great listener who can’t pull the trigger on a decision is useless. That said, I’ve known several persistent, efficient, decisive CEOs who listened to no one and decided their companies right into the ground. Great CEOs are persistent, efficient, and decisive AND they possess the interpersonal skills to move others to go along with those decisions.
Thanks to Barry Maher, Barry Maher & Associates!
#4- Being personable and empathetic
Being a CEO, in my view, is all about people skills. It's about being personable and empathetic. A big part of my job is communicating effectively with my team, making sure everyone feels heard and valued. It's about asking the right questions and listening to the insights of your team. At the end of the day, it's about creating a positive work environment where everyone feels empowered to do their best. Because when your team succeeds, your business succeeds.
Thanks to Diane Howard, Esthetic Finesse!
#5- Leadership
There are specific essential skills that every CEO should possess: leadership, communication, adaptability, and decision-making. Leadership: A real leader is more than just someone who gives commands and delegates tasks. Communication: Proper communication is the key to success in any relationship, and it's even more crucial when you're leading a team. Adaptability: The business world is constantly changing and evolving. Decision-Making: Making informed and timely decisions is crucial as it requires critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence in your abilities.
Thanks to Dana Ronald, Tax Crisis Institute!
#6- Leadership
I believe essential skills include strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective decision-making. Leadership is crucial for inspiring and guiding teams toward common goals, while strategic thinking helps in navigating complex business landscapes and identifying growth opportunities. Effective decision-making involves weighing risks and opportunities, considering various perspectives, and taking decisive action. Additionally, communication, adaptability, and resilience are also essential traits for successfully leading a company.
Thanks to Rongzhong Li, Petoi!
#7- Being adaptable
As a Solopreneur and business owner, I believe that the most essential skill one needs to have as a CEO is adaptability. Running a business requires constant adjustment and flexibility to changing circumstances, whether it's market trends, customer demands, or internal processes. Being able to adapt quickly and effectively is crucial for success as a CEO. Most of the time, what a CEO expects to happen doesn't always go as planned. In these situations, it's important to be able to pivot and find alternative solutions.
Thanks to Burak Özdemir, Character Calculator!
#8- A solid foundation
I'm uncertain if possessing essential skills alone is sufficient without a solid foundation. Skills can indeed be learned, and one can even excel in technical expertise and execution. However, without a solid foundation encompassing a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and integrity, I question whether skills alone will suffice. By working on a deeper level, one will inevitably evolve into a skilled leader. From this point, technical proficiency may become secondary, as the leader can effectively collaborate with those with the necessary skills.
Thanks to Erin Andrea Craske, EFFORTLESS Executive Coaching & Business Advisory!
#9- Being resilient
Resilience is a key trait for successful CEOs and business owners. Markets and even cultures can be fickle and ever-changing, and your success can change within a day. However, it is true that with every challenge, there is an opportunity but CEOs need to have that mental resilience to remain stoic in the face of adversity and consider alternative ways to progress and develop.
Thanks to Ryan Stone, Lambda Films!
#10- Having a creative approach
A few indispensable skills every CEO should have, especially when the terrain gets tough. Like, Leadership is the compass that guides the team. Strategic thinking is my map. Adapting and planning ahead are my strategies for navigating through them. , clear communication is my signal flare. Resilience and problem-solving are my survival tools. Facing challenges is a part of the journey but overcoming them with creativity and grit is what keeps us trekking forward.
Thanks to John VanDerLaan, Deer Hunting Guide!
#11- Interpersonal skills
I've learned that honing interpersonal skills, particularly effective communication and empathy, is paramount for leadership success. True communication is more than clear expression; it's about engaging in active listening and genuinely appreciating others' viewpoints. Moreover, being able to clearly articulate our vision and objectives is fundamental for aligning efforts and propelling the organization forward. Empathy- on the other hand is the cornerstone of forging solid relationships and fostering a collaborative environment.
Thanks to Michael Benoit, Contractor Bond!
#12- Combining core skills with ethical integrity
Leadership is the core, focusing on uniting the team under shared goals and promoting a culture of innovation and responsibility. Communication skills require clear articulation of ideas, effective negotiation, and active listening to strengthen relationships with all company stakeholders. Together, these abilities, combined with ethical integrity and knowledge of the industry, prepare a CEO to navigate the complexities of the business world efficiently.
Thanks to Vincent Iachetta Jr., Peppermonkey Media!
#13- Having a strong vision
CEOs must have a strong vision and leadership abilities to rally their teams. They need execution skills to implement their vision and drive results. Business acumen, analytical skills, and industry knowledge are critical to make informed decisions. Given the rapidly evolving business world, CEOs must be highly adaptable and comfortable with change. CEOs should also be innovative to disrupt markets and stay ahead of trends. The ability to act decisively is also key, even when faced with imperfect information.
Thanks to Justin Crabbe, The Jettly Flight!
#14- Mastering strategic agility
To be a top-notch CEO, one has to master ‘Strategic Agility’ which is a multidimensional skill that involves adapting to a fast-changing business environment. CEOs who have strategic agility can quickly assess the market dynamics, adjust themselves to new trends, and make decisions in accordance with the organizational goals. Agility can be realized through cultivating a culture of continuous learning and innovation within an organization thereby enabling teams to address challenges as they arise. It also entails strategic allocation of resources to ensure the organization becomes dynamic.
Thanks to Dennis Sanders, Burning Daily!
#15- Effective decision making
I believe that the most essential skill of a CEO is being an effective decision-maker and admitting when you get it wrong. CEOs often have quite dominant decisive personalities, so, sometimes we make hasty bad choices because the alternative is not making a decision at all. Making quick decisions is unavoidable, and once CEOs can put aside their ego and admit to themselves they ‘got it wrong’, they see less of an impact, and often more respect from their team.
Thanks to Matt Collingwood, VIQU IT Recruitment!
#16- Embracing resilience
To excel as a CEO, the first crucial skill is embracing resilience. Having a fear of failure, setbacks, unexpected twists and even a fear of success is not going to support you to reach your goals. Equally important is maintaining the belief that, ultimately, everything will work out in your favor. This resilience is complemented by strong leadership abilities and a deep conviction in your mission, with the duality of not being deterred by challenges. These skills collectively form the foundation of effective CEO leadership.
Thanks to Crissy Conner, The Visibility Queen!
#17- A good decision maker
Decision-making might sound like an obvious choice, but when you’re a CEO, it’s on a whole other level. When I first started, I felt the pressure to have an opinion on absolutely everything. People would ask about literally anything, not just areas that were relevant to my role. I became adept at delegating, deflecting, and encouraging initiative. “What do you think?” has become a favorite phrase. Yes, I have the final say in most matters, but now I like to save my input for when it really counts.
Thanks to Jan Brandrup, Neurogan!
#18- Good time management
One of the main skills a CEO needs is excellent time management. Good time management is essential if you want to avoid getting caught in the overwork trap. This will enable you to be productive but still have time left for yourself at the end of the day. There are loads of hacks out there, so my advice is to experiment and see what works for you. It might be a combination. I like to follow the “eat the frog” method and get the most challenging task of the day done first. I also use the Pomodoro technique when I’m working on tasks that require a lot of focus.
Thanks to Ryan Carrigan, MoveBuddha!
#19- Thinking out-of-the-box
The essential skills you need to become a CEO include out-of-the-box thinking, listening skills, confidence, and a strong work ethic. It’s important to be able to think outside of the box in order to come up with innovative ideas and solutions. Listening skills are important so you can accept feedback and address concerns. However, you need the confidence to be the ultimate decision-maker and get people behind your initiatives. Finally, a strong work ethic is essential to being a CEO. You have to put in the hours and devote yourself to your organization to be a true leader.
Thanks to Tim Johnson, Health In Tech!
#20- Strong decision-making skills
One of the most important skill sets to possess is strong decision-making skills. You’re faced with countless decisions every day, and to succeed, you need to be capable of digesting large amounts of information quickly, identifying the advantages and disadvantages of each choice, having foresight into possible consequences, and being decisive enough to act. CEOs don’t have time to be paralyzed by indecision or doubt, but that doesn’t mean you should be stubborn or unwilling to admit when you’re wrong either.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#21- Several skills
The essential skills required to be a successful CEO encompass strategic vision, adaptability, effective communication, financial acumen, and emotional intelligence. A CEO must possess the foresight to set long-term goals while navigating the complexities of today's rapidly changing market environments. These skills collectively empower a CEO to lead their organization towards success, making a positive impact on their employees, customers, and the broader community.
Thanks to Rodney Warner, Connective!
#22- Resilience and problem-solving
One of the most crucial ones is resilience. This skill is integral to navigating the challenges and uncertainties that come with leading an organization. Resilience also plays a significant role in building problem-solving skills. When setbacks happen, a resilient leader views obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks. With resilience and problem-solving skills, leaders can find opportunities even in the most challenging situations. And that's how companies grow stronger.
Thanks to Andre Oentoro, Breadnbeyond!
#23- A unique blend of skills
Being a CEO requires a unique blend of skills. Firstly, effective leadership is paramount. You must inspire and guide your team, setting a clear vision and fostering a collaborative culture. Adaptability is also vital. The ability to pivot and make tough decisions is crucial. Lastly, resilience is a trait every CEO should possess. You'll face challenges and setbacks, but the determination to persevere is what sets successful CEOs apart.
Thanks to Josh Camitta, MJ Arsenal!
#24- Communication skills
Leadership is as essential as ever. A CEO must provide a clear vision, inspire teams, and make critical decisions. Communication skills are equally crucial. Conveying that vision, fostering a collaborative culture, and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders is fundamental. Strategic thinking is another key skill you must have in your arsenal. CEOs must analyze market trends, anticipate challenges, and chart a course for the company's growth. Lastly, resilience is invaluable, the ability to be able to bounce back is vital.
Thanks to Cort Adair, The Adair Group!
#25- A commitment to continuous learning
To excel as a CEO, it's paramount to master a blend of strategic vision, adaptability, and effective communication. A CEO must possess the foresight to set the direction of the company, identifying opportunities for growth and innovation while navigating through challenges. Adaptability is essential in today's fast-paced business environment, allowing a CEO to pivot strategies as needed and respond to market changes proactively. These skills, combined with a commitment to continuous learning and ethical leadership, form the foundation of a successful CEO.
Thanks to Valev Laube, The VL Studios!