Leadership is a trait most of us are inherently gifted with but then why are there only a few people who can actually lead up-front. It is because we lack the basic grooming and motivation, that is, something that could have moulded us to become a better version of ourselves and to take up challenges and be prepared to be an honest leader that the world requires. While grooming is something that requires time and patience, motivation is something that can be found in different places. So, here are seven tricks of great CEOs that will not only motivate you but will drive you towards becoming a better leader.
- Three Simple Things
“What do you need to start a business? Three simple things: know your product better than anyone, know your customer, and have a burning desire to succeed.” Dave Thomas, Founder and former CEO of Wendy’s.
Here, the simple formula is knowledge. Knowledge is the most powerful tool, knowledge is as they say power.
- No Excuses
There’s an entrepreneur right now, scared to death, making excuses, saying, ‘It’s not the right time just yet.’ There’s no such thing as a good time. I started an apparel manufacturing business in the tech-boom years. I mean, come on. Get out of your garage and go take a chance and start your business.” Kevin Plank, founder and CEO of Under Armour.
The mantra here is simple, stop making excuses and get down to work immediately. Time is the most powerful asset and once lost can never be re-claimed. Whatever the scenario is, make time yours and make good use of it.
- Be a Doer, Not a Dreamer
“The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It’s as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer.” Nolan Bushnell, former CEO of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese’s.
The recipe to success is very simple, the basic ingredient is to not stop. Let your ideas brew and get them into action.
- Control Your Emotions and Take better Decisions
“Never make an important decision while you are feeling emotional; either too happy, surprised, or angry. Similarly, never make a big decision until you have talked it over with people you trust who are knowledgeable about the matter. Then, be decisive once you have heard them out.” Andrés Gluski, President and CEO of the AES Corporation.
What basically is being said here is never make a decision when you are vulnerable. Wait for the right moment because decisions taken when you ae in an emotional turmoil can lead to wrong consequences.
- Never Forget Your Morals
“People remember character—how you act and behave. No one remembers what multiple you paid or how great an investment it was. But they remember if you were a good person, whether you were fair, and how compassionate you were. I tell people that they are paid to make difficult decisions, but how they communicate and execute those decisions will last a lifetime. Life is a long time and deals will come and go, but your reputation will always stay with you.” Jim Lillie, CEO of Jarden Corporation.
The trick here is to never forget your morals, no matter what, do business respectfully. Sell your conscience for absolutely nothing.
- Dare to Do Great Things
I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘Wow, I’m not really sure I can do this,’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” Marissa Mayer, President and CEO of Yahoo.
The modus operandi is to test the waters and push yourself, throw yourself into arenas even you didn’t imagine yourself in and see where it takes you!
- Surround Yourself with Great Leaders
We’re the average of the closest five people to us. Successful CEOs surround themselves strategically with leaders who meet their needs and fill in the gaps. You must do the same thing as the CEO of your life. Surround yourself with executive level or bound leaders you can learn from, grow with and add value too. Tameka Williamson, Celestial & Associates Consulting.
The course of action according to the above statement is to always keep your friends close, every effort is a team effort. Have a team of the most trustworthy people and then see yourself reach new heights. They will make sure that the journey to success is smooth and that every decision impacts the company in the right direction.
With experience comes great insight and these leaders provide us an insight into what needs to be done to get yourself on the right path. These are just a few tips and tricks to help you out while in a crisis, they might come in very handy!