While the goal of every CEO is to produce exceptional results, we have all encountered frustrations in the pursuit of that goal.  Creating exceptional results requires that we align the capability and energy of every employee – from top to bottom – in the pursuit of the objectives of the company.  The challenge is – How exactly do we do that?

The responsibility for addressing this challenge lies squarely with the CEO.  It will not happen without a CEO who is diligent in creating the right environment.  Like it or not, the CEO is the most influential person in the company.  The CEO not only sets the direction, allocates the resources and makes the critical decisions, but equally vital, either directly or indirectly the CEO sets the tone for every other employee.  CEOs lead in many different ways, but most importantly they lead by what they do (and don’t do), and they lead by personal example – that is, how they conduct themselves in the performance of their responsibilities.  Thus, it is not only important that CEOs perform their responsibilities well, but through their actions they also define a model of behavior that will be followed by the rest of the company. 

From our personal experience and in working with and observing others, we have found that there are three essential elements common to the most effective CEOs:

• First, you have to come to grips with your own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and your personal needs and aspirations.  Consciously or subconsciously, these factors weigh heavily on the CEO's performance.  The better you understand these drivers the more likely you are to use them effectively or compensate for any shortcomings.
  
  
• Second, in the execution of these responsibilities, the CEO must be guided by a core set of principles – Principles of Purpose, Principles of Thought and Principles of Conduct.  Following these principles helps create a culture that motivates people and allows them to excel.
  
  
• Finally, the CEO must be effective in performing six fundamental roles.  To produce exceptional results, the CEO must understand how to perform all six roles well and must recognize that five-out-of-six is not good enough.

For a more in-depth discussion, read our book, The Enlightened CEO: How to Succeed at the Toughest Job in Business.  Learn more about our book.