The CEO's Ten Steps to Success
By C. Frederick Wehba
One thing that has kept me motivated and running strong since BentleyForbes was founded is the advice and support of others, especially those who have worked hard starting and growing a businesses and persisting until the goals are achieved.
When you realize your dreams, and you are running the show and reaping the benefits, one of the pitfalls can be that you stop listening to others. I believe it is of utmost importance to remember how you got here and to keep listening.
With that in mind, I have made a list of ten motivational ideas for all of you "listeners," and I invite others who have made the grade to use the form below to email me their own list of lessons and insights that have had the greatest impact on their careers. I will pass along the wisdom by posting some of them on this site.
If my list helps you, that's great. As far as your suggestions are concerned, I'm all ears.
1) Be curious and open minded
Another person's point of view just may spark a great idea. Continue your quest for knowledge! Read books, blogs and articles about your trade. Meet as many people as you can.
2) Build team spirit from the top
You are excited about your company - let it show! Excitement and motivation starts with you.
3) Remember names
Every single person who is working hard for you deserves your attention and respect. Obviously, you can't spend hours with everyone, but know the names of those you come in contact with on a regular basis. Make a list and review it regularly. And spend time regularly with employees at all levels, from the warehouse to sales to upper management, just to make sure they know that you know who they are.
4) Listen!
Remember when you had a million ideas stewing, just waiting to be heard, and when you had your chance to share them, you felt your talent was finally being utilized. Never forget that there are a million more ideas out there waiting to be heard. Let the abundance in.
5) Be visionary, but realistic
Sometimes a great idea fails because a real obstacle was in the way, but it was disregarded in a rush of euphoric optimism. Always be creative and willing to try to take risks, but keep your eyes open and your feet on the ground. Believe that anything is possible, but know where reality begins and ends.
6) Be the face they trust when a crisis arises
When the going gets tough, nothing rallies the troops like grace under fire. Make sure you have a strategic plan for emergencies and be quick and well organized in your response. Honesty with optimism is the best approach. Your employees will trust you and your handling of the situation if they hear the truth directly from you, not learn it from an outside source.
7) Feedback is opportunity knocking and a door opening
Always remember that ultimately your product must suit the consumers. They can be cruel, but it is what you take out of that criticism that matters. There are no better judges of your product than those who paid for it.
8) Look for a solution within the problem
As a CEO, analyzing and solving problems is one of your top responsibilities. Most problems are easy to fix, but sometimes you hit a tough one. Remember that careful, rigorous analysis often yields a simple, elegant solution. Have the discipline to look for it.
9) Failure is the mother of invention
If everyone stopped when their initial brilliant idea failed, we'd be without some of the best second and third (or maybe tenth) ideas in history! Even the best have gone down in flames. The key is not to avoid failure, it's to avoid surrender. Somewhere in the wreckage are the building blocks of the next success.
10) Being a CEO is hard
You are running a company, working hard and living your dream. It isn't easy, but never let your self be completely consumed by the professional challenge. Stay human! Make time for your wife, your children, and your friends. Your family needs a husband and a father, not a CEO. Keeping your home life stable and in good health will keep you happier and more successful.
Please share your business wisdom by filling out the email form: