This much I know: The dos and don’ts of a new CEO

The Don’ts

• Don’t come with a pre-prepared game plan – you’ll probably fail.
• Don’t act too quickly – listen, observe, learn, and then plan.
• Don’t stop those resistant to change from leaving.
• Don’t cling to your previous role – let go of things you used to do or tasks that can be done by others.
• Don’t overshadow your successor – you will lose effectiveness within the organization.
• Don’t accept mediocrity or settle for gains only at the level of inflation.
• Don’t become embedded with the leadership team – engage shareholders by building a rapport and driving results.
• Don’t do everything at the same time – change things incrementally.
• Focus initially on head office rather than the operational side…
• … but don’t become distant from the operational side of the business.

The Dos

• Do recognize that all eyes are on your moves, actions, words, and behaviors.
• Do understand that allyship is more difficult to build in the boardroom as CEO than as a peer director.
• Do take the organization’s pulse before making big moves by talking to the leadership team.
• Do use evidence and data to understand the key issues or challenges – and hold decision-makers to account.
• Do identify the true potential of the business and plan how to unlock it.
• Do empower whoever is stepping into your shoes to do the job properly.
• Do respect the past – but focus on what’s happening today.
• Do craft your own leadership story – create a narrative for change and a clear plan for transformation.
• Do bring everyone on board with the journey – all the way to the shop floor.
• Do use data to highlight underperformance, even when the results already look strong.