? EDITOR ’ S QUESTION //
“
IF YOU CAN ’ T COMMUNICATE
THEM TO INVESTORS , CUSTOMERS
AND
EMPLOYEES , YOU WILL FACE MAJOR ISSUES AS YOU GROW THE BUSINESS .
A successful CEO needs to have an array of different qualities , however , the four key ones that I see as crucial are strategic thinking skills , team management , communication and leadership .
Strategic thinking
CEOs must have a holistic view of their company in order to implement the right strategies for success . They must understand where their business is currently positioned within the market , what are the threats and opportunities ( in the short , medium and long-term ), the core of their competitive advantage , and how to acquire the resources to be successful .
Hence , if you look at any successful CEO today , you will find that they have impeccable strategic thinking skills that allow them to create growth and be ready for any potential business threats in today ’ s increasingly volatile markets .
Team management
It is true , a CEO is only as strong as the team they have supporting them . However , the tone is set at the top . It is the CEO ’ s responsibility to ensure they are fostering a work culture that is conducive to company success . Having team management skills is critical , as it allows you to build and motivate teams , recruit and keep key teams across the business and not just within functions .
Communication
It is all well and good knowing your intentions for the company and key stakeholders . But if you can ’ t communicate them to investors , customers and employees , you will face major issues as you grow the business . Stakeholders need to understand what the company goals are and know that they are valued . This will ensure that everyone is playing the same song and motivated to see you succeed .
Being a great communicator also involves having good listening skills . CEOs must be in-tune with customers and employees alike , ensuring that they are all happy and excited about the work , product or service .
Leadership
It goes without saying , but to be a great CEO you really do have to lead from the front . As mentioned earlier , you set the tone . If you lead with respect , passion , tenacity and kindness , those values will spread across the company and it will become a part of the organisation ’ s fabric . CEOs will lead in a variety of different styles but they must lead with confidence and reason . The test is whether people believe in the company ’ s direction and follow , even when they are unsure .
“
IF YOU LEAD
WITH RESPECT , PASSION , TENACITY AND KINDNESS , THOSE VALUES WILL SPREAD ACROSS THE COMPANY AND IT WILL BECOME A PART OF THE ORGANISATION ’ S FABRIC .
MIKE PEPLOW , CEO PAYNETICS UK
22 intelligent
. tech
Intelligent SME . tech