A focus on the “C” of CEO/COO/CFO…
"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." John C. Maxwell
These titles roll easily off our tongue and we use them daily without much thought. Their significance and implication, however, call for some focus. Leadership titles are easy to write on a job description or a company org chart but much more complex in application and impact. Most leaders possess a title or were assigned a title but not all live up to the meaning of it. This is especially important in the C-suite.
A Chief by definition is a leader of a group of people or a clan. A Chief is usually elected to that position by the people he or she will lead or by a group of leaders within the organization. In the Army, we used Commander in place of Chief and we went through painstaking analysis to pick those to be given that title and privilege. Upon assuming the position official orders were read, “the undersigned assumes command...” I heard those words several times in my career and, for good reason, they scared the hell out of me. In a sentence taking only seconds to read, I would accept the strengths and challenges of my organization. I would be responsible for the lives and livelihoods of people, millions of dollars of equipment, and a family support group designed to assist families through the rigors of military life. I would need to be a leader at the top of my game.
With the title Commander or for our purposes, Chief, come certain requirements. The “C” of CEO, COO, CFO, and the like requires the following:
A person with a hunger to lead. One guided by a leadership philosophy informed by his or her and the organization’s values.
A person of character; trustworthy, fair, vulnerable, transparent, and courageous enough to stand up for what is right.
One who influences the organization beyond their span of control. For instance, a CFO’s duty is to educate the entire organization on the function and importance of finance and everyone’s fiscal responsibilities. A CFO ought to be the spokesperson for future financial projections and what they mean to each individual. A COO brings several verticals, support staff, and field agents together in unison.
A team player who collaborates and invests time in relationship building with other C-Suite executives, employees, and internal and external stakeholders.
An effective communicator who can translate CEO guidance into action. Communication is especially important in larger organizations as a Chief lacks the ability to apply direct leadership and course-correct a large group of people.
A good delegator. One who can hand off tasks below the scope of their role. One who knows when to enter into the tactical and when to remain strategic.
A strategic thinker and advisor. One who can think, act and plan with strategic ends in mind (ends), establishing critical paths and milestones (ways), and gathering and leveraging resources (means) to achieve strategic ends.
An example of and a steward of organizational culture, values, and vision.
A coach, teacher, and mentor.
There are more and if a Chief is missing any of these, they may not be deserving of the title. They may have been given that title without the proper preparation. Be very deliberate when creating positions with Chief in them. Use caution when selecting those who will “assume command..” Put some focus on the C!
I can help. Know a person who you want to designate as Chief or who already holds the title? Let me coach them to excellence!
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell