Chief executive officers (CEOs) lead organizations, set long-term strategies and make critical decisions that shape the future of their companies. Only three in five newly appointed CEOs live up to performance expectations in the first 18 months and just one in 12 companies moves from average to top-quintile performance over ten years. But what does it take to rise to the top of an organization and lead that organization to greater heights?
The St. Cloud State University online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Management and Leadership program is designed to develop the strong leadership skills these aspirations demand, focusing on the interaction between leaders and followers, ethical decision-making and strategic thinking. Graduates are well equipped to pursue leadership roles, thanks to a curriculum grounded in business fundamentals such as finance, marketing and organizational behavior. The program’s emphasis on real-world learning and leadership development ensures that students are prepared to face the complexities of executive leadership.
What Is a Chief Executive Officer (CEO)?
A CEO is the highest-ranking executive in an organization, responsible for setting strategic goals and overseeing the company’s overall operations. CEOs are accountable to the board of directors and, in many cases, the shareholders. In smaller companies, the CEO might also be the founder or owner, while in larger corporations, the role involves collaboration with the rest of the C-suite. The CEO’s responsibilities include guiding the company’s direction, managing risks and representing the company to customers, investors and the media.
What Does It Take to Become a CEO?
While there is no single route, the journey typically involves education, experience and leadership development. Aspiring CEOs often pursue an MBA degree to develop a wide range of leadership proficiencies and acumen across business disciplines. Courses in St. Cloud State University’s online MBA in Management and Leadership program, such as Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Leadership Ethics, have been developed with input from corporate leaders to help students build a solid foundation for C-suite leadership roles.
Aspiring CEOs must also gain significant real-world experience. Early on, they take challenging roles that test their ability to make decisions, manage teams and drive growth. Over time, they develop a range of leadership styles, from democratic to autocratic, and learn how to adapt their approach to suit different situations. Leadership in business is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and those destined to become successful CEOs learn when to listen, when to act decisively and when to take calculated risks.
Key Qualities of a CEO
Successful CEOs possess a wide range of skills and personal qualities that enable them to lead their organizations effectively, including the following:
- Strategic thinking: CEOs must look beyond the present and plan for the future. They need to identify opportunities for growth while mitigating risks. Leaders like Jeff Bezos, who transformed Amazon from an online bookstore into a global tech giant, demonstrate the power of long-term strategic thinking.
- Adaptability: CEOs and their leadership teams must be able to adapt to fast-changing market conditions. For example, Reed Hastings spearheaded Netflix’s shift from a DVD-by-mail service to an online streaming platform. CEOs also employ various leadership styles, such as democratic or autocratic. The ability to adapt styles to specific situations is critical.
- Communication: CEOs must be able to articulate their vision to employees, investors and the public. Satya Nadella effectively communicated his vision to transform Microsoft into a cloud-first company, uniting employees and stakeholders around this clear and focused strategy.
- Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence allows leaders to create a positive work environment and build strong teams. Tim Cook demonstrated strong emotional intelligence by fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration at Apple, particularly during crises like the pandemic.
- Decisiveness: CEOs often face high-stakes decisions and must be able to weigh options quickly and make informed choices. Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is known for making decisive investment decisions that lead to long-term success.
How St. Cloud State University Prepares You for CEO Roles
The online MBA in Management and Leadership program from St. Cloud State University focuses on ethical leadership, strategic decision-making and effective communication, all of which are essential for success in the C-suite. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are crucial for CEOs. By reflecting on their organization’s roles and responsibilities in society, students learn what it takes to be a game-changer in business.
The program also offers personalized career coaching, ensuring that students are well supported as they work toward their professional goals. If you aim to start an entrepreneurial venture, lead a midsize organization or become CEO of a multinational corporation, this management and leadership MBA can help you gain the skills and confidence to pursue a successful career as a CEO.
Learn more about St. Cloud State University’s online MBA with a concentration in Management and Leadership program.
