Azeez Amida's Blog
January 13, 2023
12 Practical Keys to Get on the Radar of Any CEO
I have worked with 10+ CEOs, and I am one myself. Here are some key takeaways to help you get on the radar of any CEO.
1) Remember that CEOs used to be staff like you. Even founder CEOs used to have a speciality, and this speciality often defines how they see and approach problems.
2) All CEOs have a system for everything, from presentations to approval requests and meeting formats. These systems may vary, but it is important you understand them and stick to them.
3) Always plan to end your meetings in 5 to 10 minutes, no matter how long the meeting is scheduled for. Someone or something would always interrupt.
4) The first line or two of any email (even the title) must be enough to explain 90% of the message. Long messages are taboo and should always be an attachment or presentation.
5) All CEOs love people who can solve their problems. If you feel you are not on their good side, it may be because you are not solving enough problems or the ones you are solving are not big enough to make them put their egos aside.
6) Don’t take any decision of the CEO personally.
7) Remember that CEOs are also staff like you, and they have bosses and appraisals that are broader than everyone else’s. So, if you think your job is hard, multiply your stress by any number larger than 100.
8) CEOs are either people-centric or performance-centric. The easiest way to their heart is to align with their central.
9) When CEOs bring up an idea, they have thought about it. Unless you have facts to show them why it won't work, get on board and find ways to make it work.
10) When you go to any CEO with an idea, you are asking them to trust you at the expense of their target, bonus, and possibly their career. So go with facts backed with an excellent plan and be ready to take NO for an answer.
11) Again, CEOs were employees like you, so they know when you are patronising them. Don’t make this a habit.
12) Like you, everyone wants the CEO's attention. Don't sleep there when it's your turn.
In conclusion, working with CEOs can be challenging, but it can also be a great learning opportunity. By understanding their characteristics and habits, we can better navigate the world of CEOs and make the most out of our interactions with them. Most importantly, you are the CEO of your life and career so treat yourself like one.
1) Remember that CEOs used to be staff like you. Even founder CEOs used to have a speciality, and this speciality often defines how they see and approach problems.
2) All CEOs have a system for everything, from presentations to approval requests and meeting formats. These systems may vary, but it is important you understand them and stick to them.
3) Always plan to end your meetings in 5 to 10 minutes, no matter how long the meeting is scheduled for. Someone or something would always interrupt.
4) The first line or two of any email (even the title) must be enough to explain 90% of the message. Long messages are taboo and should always be an attachment or presentation.
5) All CEOs love people who can solve their problems. If you feel you are not on their good side, it may be because you are not solving enough problems or the ones you are solving are not big enough to make them put their egos aside.
6) Don’t take any decision of the CEO personally.
7) Remember that CEOs are also staff like you, and they have bosses and appraisals that are broader than everyone else’s. So, if you think your job is hard, multiply your stress by any number larger than 100.
8) CEOs are either people-centric or performance-centric. The easiest way to their heart is to align with their central.
9) When CEOs bring up an idea, they have thought about it. Unless you have facts to show them why it won't work, get on board and find ways to make it work.
10) When you go to any CEO with an idea, you are asking them to trust you at the expense of their target, bonus, and possibly their career. So go with facts backed with an excellent plan and be ready to take NO for an answer.
11) Again, CEOs were employees like you, so they know when you are patronising them. Don’t make this a habit.
12) Like you, everyone wants the CEO's attention. Don't sleep there when it's your turn.
In conclusion, working with CEOs can be challenging, but it can also be a great learning opportunity. By understanding their characteristics and habits, we can better navigate the world of CEOs and make the most out of our interactions with them. Most importantly, you are the CEO of your life and career so treat yourself like one.
