What do you think are the qualities of a good CEO?

**Long,Jeran** · 05-02-2008 05:46 PM

I recently read a book entitle ""Advice for a young CEO" (this is an excellent boook for people my age how are interested in managing a company.) Anyway, in this book the author sent a letter to 150 CEO's of major companies, he then put those letters in the book. I was curious as to what people on this site think are the good qualities of being a CEO, what is required to be a CEO and finally how you become a CEO.

**Gaulkin** · 05-02-2008 05:49 PM

To me it all boils down to giving back to the shareholders and doing what is best for them to benefit. This is extremely simplified but that is what its all about.

**Jay Brass** · 05-02-2008 08:36 PM

To me, the ideal CEO is a person who can get his employees pumped and ready for work. He should be honest, to the point, and stand up for himself, others, and the company. He should be friendly and very charismatic also.

**JLeezer** · 05-02-2008 08:45 PM

I think it greatly depends on if it is a publicly traded company, a closely held company, or a company owned by an individual or family.

In respect to the publicly traded company, I agree with Gaulkin. The main focus should be on increasing the share value for the stockholders...but not at the expense of customers. This one is tricky as the stockholders will benefit greatly by focusing on the customers and employees, but to what extent? Defining the fine line that separates wastefulness or excessiveness from honest, sincere caring is difficult.

For a company held by an individual or family, the focus should be on the customers and employees, as long as it keeps the company within budgetary limits. No one will benefit from a company that can't pay its bills or payroll and can't finish jobs for the customers.

For a closely held company, it could go either way...being treated as a publicly traded company or a company owned by an individual or family.