Hypnosis is not a very common executive skill

The CEO club is representing an elite of executives who have reached the top post in an organization.

Good or bad, these people have some special qualities.  Let me be clear, some leaders are just bad: the current CEO of a large Australian airline, the current “CEO” of Australia ( our PM) are examples – in my opinion – of weak, not very competent leaders.

However, there are many examples of fantastic business leaders.  There is much to learn from them.  And how lucky I have been to have met and worked with quite a few of such special leaders. Plus other people, including clients, current colleagues and a few past employees who will become Managing Directors and CEOs one day.  So many to mention and recognise that I will divide this post in a few parts, provided there is interest from readers.

In this first episode then I will introduce four executives, and then extract some common lessons learnt from each of them, with a focus on the leadership qualities they have in common.  Since I have not asked their permission to talk about them, I will only mention their first name, but they are quire recognisable anyway.

Firstly, let me describe why I think these four individuals are exceptional leaders.  All of them have been successful not only once, not even only twice, but at least three times in their career. This eliminates the factor of luck, they are really good.  By the way, I define success as making more money during their executive tenure than the company was making before their arrival.

The ones I will mention today are:

– Big John

– Tough John

– Scuba John

– Keith the Fit

So yes it looks another obvious factor to succeed as a CEO is to be called John…  and by the way I know these are four men it is not my fault if most MDs I met are men.  I can say without worry that some of the best consultants I have ever worked with are females, but that is the subject for another blog.

Big John is a larger than life executive from Sydney, who has led several companies in the FMCG and durable goods sectors.  Known for his flamboyant style (the famous rollerblading and singing in the office), he is in reality one of the most impressive marketing thinkers around the world. His management style is centred around selecting and investing in human capital.  Such is his talent around people, that many executives who have worked and have been trained by Big John have subsequently emerged as CEOs of listed and large privately owned corporations in Australia and overseas.

– Tough John is an executive with a brilliant background in media, now working also in the entertainment industry. He is smart, fast and articulate. Supremely logical.  And – to some – almost intimidating.  In reality he is not scary, he is just logical and intuitive, naturally charismatic.  Tough John will push and find ways to make an organisation perform, with a broad, naturally strategic perspective but also the capability of extracting 100% from his people.  And the courage to change and challenge a dissatisfactory status quo.  I admire his speed and intelligence.

– Scuba John is the CEO of an Australia listed company, having in the past being the Managing Director of a global transportation conglomerate.  His hobby is marine archaeology.  Scuba John is a generous, intelligent, strategic executive.  He has proved himself both in periods of growth as well as of decline.  His style is gentle but extremely sharp.  He can lead, delegate and orchestrate a team with an uncanny ability to join operational details with the big picture.

– Keith the Fit is basically a genius of management.  He is funny, generous, collaborative.  Decisive when needed, cautious if required. Balanced, driven and “realistically visionary”. He comes from a manufacturing background, and that is connected to his ability to break down problems into logical components at the appropriate simplified level.  Keith the Fit privileges plan articulated into pyramidal structures of Three.  For example, three strategic prongs with three specific initiatives each.  He is another quintessential example of how a great CEO can also be a fun guy.

 

So what do these four leaders have in common besides being for three quarters called John?  To me, the ability to make the best out of their team.  The knowledge that tough decision have to be made and the courage to carry them through.  And, most importantly, a real passion for their work.