Ways to Develop a CEO Mindset Before You Get There was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Do you wonder how some people easily land leadership roles while others struggle to get noticed? It may sometimes seem like luck, but it’s really about the mindset. Most professionals who end up running companies have been training their minds for years, even before they got the title.
If you want to be a CEO someday, you should start acting like one in your current role. Here, we’ll discuss the strategies you can use to develop a CEO mindset before getting the title.
💡 Think Big, But Start Small
CEOs are visionaries who often think beyond the next task or paycheck. They focus on the company’s future and find ways to get ahead of the competition.
While a CEO mindset will require you to think big, you should also avoid trying to do everything at once. If you have a goal that will take several months or years to achieve, break it down into small, doable steps.
For instance, if you want to launch your business someday but are currently employed, start gaining the skills you’ll need to run it. You could also learn more about your industry and network with other entrepreneurs.
Taking small steps will enable you to grow your career without feeling overwhelmed. Besides, it builds momentum and helps you gain confidence as you move closer to your goal. By starting small, you’ll also learn along the way and tweak your approach without significant risks.
💡 Get Comfortable Making Decisions
A CEO’s typical workday involves making many decisions, so it’s important to get comfortable with easy and tough choices. Practice decision-making by giving yourself deadlines instead of spending hours or days overthinking.
Still, ensure you research and consult the necessary stakeholders before making any choice. If, for example, you’re in charge of a project and need to choose between two strategies, don’t focus too much on their differences.
Assess the pros and cons of each, talk to the people involved, and decide. Even if you’re unsure, making a well-informed choice will be better than wasting more time.
As you practice decision-making, you’ll make mistakes and may even beat yourself up. Improve your mindset by recognizing that not all decisions will be perfect, and you can always learn from the wrong ones.
Be open to making clear choices instead of second-guessing yourself. After some time, you’ll be more confident in your judgment and comfortable even when making difficult decisions.
💡 Take Ownership and Accountability
CEOs are proactive and don’t wait for others to fix their problems. Besides, they don’t find people to blame if their ideas fail to pan out. If they’re responsible for a mistake, they take accountability, fix it, and work with their team to steer the company ahead.
While you may not be in charge yet, you can start taking more ownership in your current role. For instance, if your team struggles to meet a deadline, step up and help, even if it’s not your duty. If a mistake happens, don’t point fingers, but learn from it and accept the role you played.
When you start taking ownership, you’ll develop the confidence and problem-solving skills a CEO needs.
💡 Invest in Continuous Learning
The best CEOs never stop learning since they know the world is constantly changing, and if they don’t keep up, they’ll fall behind. To develop a CEO mindset, you need to invest in continuous learning and stay curious.
Read books and publications to keep up with industry trends and economic news. Moreover, listen to educational podcasts and enroll in courses to update your abilities and gain skills.
Surrounding yourself with people who help you grow and challenge your thinking will improve your mindset. Get a mentor to offer advice, challenge your ideas, and help you avoid mistakes they’ve already made.
If you have no idea who to choose as your mentor, start by connecting with professionals in your field. Join networking groups, attend industry events, or contact a professional you admire.
You should also consider getting mentorship from junior or younger employees in your company since they may have fresh ideas and insights you might not have considered.
Younger employees may also understand new trends, technology, and customer expectations better. Learning from them will help you be adaptable and stay ahead of the curve. Other learning opportunities to consider for a CEO mindset include:
- Taking on new challenges at work
- Seeking feedback from your colleagues and bosses
- Joining peer-peer mentoring groups
Investing in continuous learning will improve your decision-making and leadership skills. It will also make you more valuable and prepare you for the challenges you may face in your path to becoming a CEO.
💡 Develop a Thick Skin
When you become a company leader, you’ll face criticism because not every worker will agree with your ideas. Some employees may even question your decisions, causing you to doubt yourself.
Developing a thick skin will help you handle criticism better and push forward even when others doubt you. Instead of taking negative feedback personally or getting upset, use it to grow.
If someone points out an issue with your work, learn more about their point of view. Ask questions to understand them and see if there’s something valuable in their feedback. Such an approach will make you a better leader and show you’re open-minded and willing to grow.
Other strategies for developing a thick skin include:
- Don’t let the fear of judgment stop you
- Focus on facts when you receive criticism
- Surround yourself with optimistic people
- Always keep your long-term vision in mind
As a leader, your decisions will impact the company, and some people might not always agree. Instead of seeking approval from everyone, focus on making the best decisions for the brand and its long-term success. The more you stand by your choices, the more confident you’ll become.
Start Thinking Like a CEO Today
Successful business leaders take ownership and make confident decisions. They also develop resilience when facing criticism and never stop learning.
Develop a CEO mindset by acting like a business leader. Step up in your current role, seek challenges, and nurture strong professional relationships. Learn from your mistakes, embrace feedback, and focus on your long-term vision. Such habits will help you build a mindset that sets you up for success.
