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How to Think Like a CEO

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Drawing on in-depth interviews, Benton identifies 22 vital traits that make a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - the leader responsible for making decisions, guiding teams, selling ideas, managing crises and conquering the mountains before them.

470 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

45 people are currently reading
461 people want to read

About the author

D.A. Benton

19 books26 followers
Debra Benton is a globally-recognized executive coach, bestselling business author, and popular conference keynote speaker on leadership and executive effectiveness. Her articles have been published in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review and Fast Company.

Benton has written ten business books, many of which have been on The New York Times and Businessweek bestseller lists. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, CNN and CBS This Morning, and her articles have appeared in numerous publications including Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal and Fast Company. Benton specializes in helping people take ownership of their potential and make positive, lasting change in their attitudes, actions, and interactions—both for themselves and their organizations.

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5 stars
64 (25%)
4 stars
99 (39%)
3 stars
64 (25%)
2 stars
17 (6%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Eliot.
Author 2 books12 followers
July 30, 2014
One of my first books on leadership. Well organized basics for the first time leader.
Profile Image for Eileen O'Finlan.
Author 6 books218 followers
August 20, 2018
I read this book because the marketing company I hired to help me market my novels told me I should think of myself not just as an author but also as the CEO of "Eileen O'Finlan". Having no idea how to do this, I searched for a book that might help. I came across How to Think Like a CEO: The 22 Vital Traits You Need to Be the Person at the Top by D.A. Benton. Since anything business related is not my forte and usually sends me running for cover I wasn't sure how I would react. I started this book thinking I probably wouldn't understand much and be bored out of my mind, but if I could at least glean a few insights it might be helpful.

I was very pleasantly surprised to find it to be so well written that even I understood it and actually enjoyed reading it. Some of it doesn't really apply to me, but there was much that I can adapt to my situation. For anyone who reads it because they aspire to be a CEO I think it would be immensely helpful.

The book outlines the 22 vital traits, some of which are surprising (at least to me). It gives lots of examples and quotes from successful CEOs. The writing is clear, consice and easily understandable.
Profile Image for Paolo Balinas.
39 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2021
How to think like a CEO by D.A. Benton Book Summary

In this book, I discuss the top 10 qualities and traits of successful CEOs. Traits such as -- CEOs choose what's best, not what's nice, CEOs are inquisitive, CEOs are original, and 7 more...

Hey Guys! this is book # 17 of my 52-week book challenge wherein I aim to read 1 book a week or 52 books in a year! Here's a summary of my top 10 key traits of a CEO from the book, "How to think like a CEO" by D.A. Benton Book Summary

https://youtu.be/U-QQC0xV9mw

Thanks and to view more of my previous summaries, like and subscribe my Youtube Channel, Paolo Balinas

Now off to the next book! :)

P.S. Comment below on what was your key takeaway

#BookSummary #HowToThinkLikeACEO #DABenton #CEO #management
Profile Image for Morenike.
53 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2016
Soft on applicable content. Not a lot of reference material for theories promoted. Lots of sermonizing.
Profile Image for Kim Andrew.
1 review
October 5, 2019
One of the best Leadership books that I’ve ever read throughout my career. The traits are practical and they do help you get noticed as a leader in the organization.
I enjoyed this book and I have been practicing the traits. It’s a good read at least once a year whilst you plan your career.
Profile Image for Puteri Nurzurain.
27 reviews18 followers
December 27, 2020
For every point the author made, a real life example by a CEO is also presented. Very well structured with realistic objectives. A good book for those who want to improve their outlook in life in general not just from a CEO's perspective.
Profile Image for Chu Qiao.
191 reviews
November 27, 2018
CEOs leads executive thinking styles, nothing else, just executions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
18 reviews
August 27, 2020
Read this when I was in my early 30's. found the insights and interviews enlightening and helpful for working in Corporate America
2 reviews
May 13, 2023
Very practical book. One of the books that can helped me know how to prepare myself for the top job.
Profile Image for Di.
233 reviews
August 29, 2008
Very much the typical business book.
Profile Image for Amy.
5 reviews2 followers
Read
August 14, 2008
Planning to take over the world...
Profile Image for Daniel.
726 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2009
I enjoyed reading the book so much sometimes I couldn't want to stop reading.
Profile Image for Nick.
122 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2011
Interesting insight into "chiefs". Book has a significant amount of important information, with 22 traits being the most interesting. Not printed in highest quality (lots of repeats and typos).
4 reviews
May 23, 2012
Complete, a right road map for managers and poeple.
بهترین و کاملتری کتاب مدیریت مبتنی بر رفتار. ولی خیلی طولانی به بررسی مباحث پرداخته که باعث شده صبر آدم در خوندن این کتاب افزایش پیدا کنه
42 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2013
Very Good book
Easy to read. I enjoyed the second half of the book
Profile Image for Shimon Black.
1 review
June 26, 2013
Read this book when I was 19, Im 25 and now a business owner, need to revisit.
Profile Image for Serhat Soyaltın.
1 review
Read
January 1, 2016
I started this book long time ago, actually it was a gift with a magazine.. Has good valuable info.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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