When we think of CEOs, often middle aged men spring to mind. That’s not surprising, as according to new research, on average it takes someone 24 years from their first job to become a CEO. Other things we often attribute are pedigrees such as a holding a MBA or working for high profile firms.
CEO Genome Project
But new research from the CEO Genome Project shows something quite interesting. Those that “sprint” to a CEO role; that is, make it in less than the average of 24 years, do things that aren’t related to their pedigree, university degree or fancy firm.
The CEO Genome Project was a ten year project that examined more than 17000 C suite assessments, and then deep dived into a further 2600. What they found was the CEOs who “sprint” do so by taking risks or making bold career moves.
Want to be a CEO (quickly)? Do these things..
The project found that 97% of the CEOs did at least one of these things..
Start Small
These CEOs took a smaller but significant role, either within their own company or with their own business. The CEOs took this opportunity to build something from scratch and make an impact that was significant.
Make a big leap
These CEOs said yes to a big step, one which was often way in excess of what they had previously being doing.
Clean up a mess
Cleaning up a situation (and making it a success) was another of the ways that CEOs prove they have what it takes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
As always, if you want to succeed, it’s not about what you don’t have (ie – a fancy degree or experience in a top tiered firm), it’s more about what you do with what you do have.
How are you taking the opportunities that present, even if you don’t feel ready for them? And how are you making opportunities or seeking them out, if they aren’t readily apparent?
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See you tomorrow (yes a month of posting daily!)
