The CEO’s Job Isn’t What You Think It Is
Why being great at everything misses the point entirely. The CEO’s Only Job Is to Win.
The CEO's main duty is to ensure the company wins. As Brian Borque aptly puts it:
“The only universal job description of a CEO is to make sure the company wins.”
This statement encapsulates the essence of leadership, emphasizing that the CEO's role is not to be a jack-of-all-trades but to guide the organization toward success.
There is a pervasive myth in boardrooms, backchannels, and startup circles that a CEO must be a flawless superhuman, excelling in operations, finance, sales, product, people management, and strategy. This belief suggests that to lead effectively, one must have a comprehensive understanding and hands-on expertise in every aspect of the business. However, this is a dangerous misconception that can actually hinder a CEO’s effectiveness.
Central to a CEO's duties is the company's success, not the micromanagement of every detail or expertise in every function. Winning can mean different things depending on the context—profitability, market share, mission delivery, or even survival. But the ultimate goal remains the same: to steer the business toward victory. The most effective CEOs I’ve encountered, like each of us, are often deeply flawed in certain areas, yet they excel in their role by focusing on the outcome rather than personal perfection.
For example, some CEOs are visionary leaders who may struggle with detailed financial analysis, while others are sales geniuses who find hiring a challenge. These leaders understand that their job is to build a strong, complementary team that can cover their weaknesses. They hire the right people, delegate tasks, and create a culture where everyone is working towards a common goal. Instead of wasting time trying to become proficient in every area, they leverage the strengths of their team to achieve the company’s objectives.
This approach to leadership is what sets successful CEOs apart. Their clarity of purpose and ability to focus on the big picture, rather than getting bogged down in minutiae, is what drives the company forward. So, the next time someone criticizes a CEO for not being “across the detail,” “not technical enough,” or “not a natural manager,” consider this: is the company winning? Are they building a team and culture that can sustain that success?
A CEO's true measure of leadership and their company's success is not about being perfect, but about winning and creating an environment where the company can flourish and achieve its goals.
