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The CEO Tightrope: How to Master the Balancing Act of a Successful CEO
No CEO can find a point of balance and then stand still--that's not even possible on a tightrope. The expectation is that the business must always move forward. The American CEO walks a tightrope daily . . . many times blindfolded and without a net below. The job of balancing the often-competing interests of a company's constituents is so challenging that the average lifespan of a newly minted CEO is around five years. Why is it that our most successful businesspeople, individuals who have been wildly successful at every other position in their career, often fail when they get to the CEO chair? The job of the CEO is unlike any leadership position, yet many CEOs are unprepared for its challenges. Yes, you must have business acumen and people-management skills, but you'll also need to own the company vision, provide the proper resources, build the culture consistently and in alignment with company goals, make key decisions, and deliver performance that satisfies boards, shareholders, and investors. And, to complicate matters, you must work in an ambiguous environment in which you have absolute responsibility but questionable control. Your biggest challenge will be the balancing act required to be successful--to grow your company in the short term and create a long-term advantage that makes your efforts sustainable. Joel Trammell, successful entrepreneur, CEO, and investor, explores the various points of balance that challenge every CEO. He identifies what it looks like when a CEO is off balance and offers modern techniques and approaches to regain balance, drawn from almost thirty years of study and experience. You'll learn about the 50+ daily struggles that might pull you off balance, such as how to build credibility while avoiding the cheerleader vs. Eeyore trap; how to identify the right growth opportunities while avoiding the budget blower vs. budget tyrant trap; and how to create strong alignment while avoiding the CIA vs. amateur trap. Trammell has created this resource for aspiring, new, and more experienced CEOs. He shares stories that allow you to identify your own strengths and weaknesses and provides questions that promote self-analysis. Filling a void in the market for a clear, compelling guide for CEOs, The CEO Tightrope is certain to become your go-to valued resource.
291 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2014
35 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 13, 2024
"The CEO Tightrope" by Joel Trammell is a comprehensive and insightful guide that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by chief executive officers. Trammell draws on his extensive experience as a CEO to offer a balanced and pragmatic approach to mastering the complex role of leading an organization.
The book is structured around the metaphor of a tightrope, symbolizing the delicate balance CEOs must maintain in various aspects of their leadership. Trammell covers critical areas such as strategy, team building, communication, and decision-making, providing practical advice and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts.
One of the book's strengths lies in its holistic view of the CEO role. Trammell acknowledges the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the position, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. He also explores the fine line between being decisive and seeking input, acknowledging that effective leadership involves a blend of authority and collaboration.
The author's emphasis on leadership self-awareness and personal development adds depth to the book. Trammell recognizes the human aspect of leadership, encouraging CEOs to understand their strengths and weaknesses, seek feedback, and foster a culture of accountability within their organizations.
Critics may argue that some of the advice provided is broad and may not apply universally to all industries or company sizes. However, the overarching principles and strategic insights are adaptable, offering a valuable framework for CEOs to tailor to their specific circumstances.
In conclusion, "The CEO Tightrope" is a valuable resource for both aspiring and seasoned CEOs navigating the challenges of leadership. Trammell's practical approach, coupled with his focus on the delicate balancing act inherent in the CEO role, makes this book a relevant and insightful guide for anyone aspiring to master the complexities of executive leadership
The book is structured around the metaphor of a tightrope, symbolizing the delicate balance CEOs must maintain in various aspects of their leadership. Trammell covers critical areas such as strategy, team building, communication, and decision-making, providing practical advice and real-world examples to illustrate key concepts.
One of the book's strengths lies in its holistic view of the CEO role. Trammell acknowledges the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the position, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. He also explores the fine line between being decisive and seeking input, acknowledging that effective leadership involves a blend of authority and collaboration.
The author's emphasis on leadership self-awareness and personal development adds depth to the book. Trammell recognizes the human aspect of leadership, encouraging CEOs to understand their strengths and weaknesses, seek feedback, and foster a culture of accountability within their organizations.
Critics may argue that some of the advice provided is broad and may not apply universally to all industries or company sizes. However, the overarching principles and strategic insights are adaptable, offering a valuable framework for CEOs to tailor to their specific circumstances.
In conclusion, "The CEO Tightrope" is a valuable resource for both aspiring and seasoned CEOs navigating the challenges of leadership. Trammell's practical approach, coupled with his focus on the delicate balancing act inherent in the CEO role, makes this book a relevant and insightful guide for anyone aspiring to master the complexities of executive leadership
October 7, 2018
Practical but slightly obvious
I’ve read a few of this type of book as I find the topic interesting.
The main distinguishing factor in this book is the emphasis and detail that Trammel provides on the recruiting and hiring process, that is not something I’ve seen in most other books.
I also liked how he describes being a CEO as being on a tightrope, constantly balancing many competing interests while making small invisible adjustments.
The only very slight criticism I would give is that much of the other material might sound very obvious if you’ve read any other “how to be a CEO” books, so not quite as engaging, but that’s a minor issue.
Overall I would definitely recommend it for a first time CEO.
I’ve read a few of this type of book as I find the topic interesting.
The main distinguishing factor in this book is the emphasis and detail that Trammel provides on the recruiting and hiring process, that is not something I’ve seen in most other books.
I also liked how he describes being a CEO as being on a tightrope, constantly balancing many competing interests while making small invisible adjustments.
The only very slight criticism I would give is that much of the other material might sound very obvious if you’ve read any other “how to be a CEO” books, so not quite as engaging, but that’s a minor issue.
Overall I would definitely recommend it for a first time CEO.
March 10, 2022
A good book for CEO or upper management levels. I found utility in the reflective questions and suggestions for improvement and approaches. In that sense the book becomes interactive and allows the reader to reflect. I can see the utility in using this book, jotting notes and then returning back to it over time. I will recommend it to others but will not pass it on as I have made the annotations in it.
January 26, 2019
Among the best I’ve read for managers at every level.
I first learned of Joel Trammel as a prospect considering the Khorus platform for my business. As a long time technology leader, and first time CEO, I found the CEO tightrope to be packed full of concise and useful guidance. I appreciate the broad and also deep advice Joel is able to provide as a result of having gleaned the best on offer from an array of terrific books on a variety of management theories. I look forward to applying the ideas Joel has shared with my executive team as we embark on our journey deploying Khorus in our business. I’m confident we will be a stronger and more effective organization through leveraging both the excellent material in the book, and the practical application of goal based objectives via Khorus. An excellent read well worth your time.
I first learned of Joel Trammel as a prospect considering the Khorus platform for my business. As a long time technology leader, and first time CEO, I found the CEO tightrope to be packed full of concise and useful guidance. I appreciate the broad and also deep advice Joel is able to provide as a result of having gleaned the best on offer from an array of terrific books on a variety of management theories. I look forward to applying the ideas Joel has shared with my executive team as we embark on our journey deploying Khorus in our business. I’m confident we will be a stronger and more effective organization through leveraging both the excellent material in the book, and the practical application of goal based objectives via Khorus. An excellent read well worth your time.
April 3, 2016
'Must read for anyone in the c-suite or moving toward it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews