As a CEO, I can say that I suffer from “CEO Syndrome”. Haven’t heard of it? It is a real thing. Many employees don’t understand what CEO Syndrome (CEOS) is, but those who are CEOs, CIOs, CFOs or top-ranking management – you will be able to identify with the symptoms. What are they?
Loneliness. Yes, loneliness. People who work their way up in a company understand that hard-work is required, but so is playing politics. Thus, it becomes harder and harder to trust people because one never knows what information will be used against him or her or if they are just being used in general. I recommend having access to a peer group of leaders. This is crucial because it will eliminate depression caused by loneliness and increase your work productivity. By being able to work through trust issues with people who face the same types of challenges- you can become a great leader!
Lack of time. Yes, CEOS and top-management are always short on time, which can be frustrating. I know your personal life can suffer, but there are some tools available to cure this symptom. First, get organized. Don’t allow yourself to be pulled away from your daily tasks to manage others. Delegate work when you can and remain committed to your tasks while scheduling the needed assistance for another time.
Incurable appetite for cross-sector knowledge. This is a huge symptom of born leaders, like CEOs. Leaders want to know all aspects of their business. What can they learn from HR, what can they learn from IT, how can they help with marketing – it becomes almost compulsive because, after all, the leader is in charge of making the company successful. Don’t cure this symptom, take control of it. Schedule two days a month to do nothing but have your hands involved in different areas of your company. And, train your employees to do the same. The worst thing you can do is collect little bits of info or training on a day-to-day basis. Focus your energy for different departments on specific days.
Embrace transition. CEOs who embrace transition have the most classic symptom of CEO Syndrome. Leaders go where they are needed. This means holding a variety of high positions with many companies. It doesn’t mean you are unstable in anyway. Leaders like, and are often hired, to merge into a company, address how the company can grow and then help that same company flourish. After the job is done, many CEOs need to move on. This is normal. Transitions are often fraught with emotions and complexities. But, a great CEO understands his or her calling and goes where he or she is needed the most.
Competitive talent. CEOs with CEO Syndrome know that there is other talent in the market. And, let’s face it. CEO jobs aren’t always available. So, leaders and CEOs tend to be very competitive people. A CEO is constantly having to prove his or her worth to the boss or board members by making tough decisions, cutting budgets and increasing revenue- all very hard and unpopular tasks. It is a dirty job, but those with CEOS thrive on doing it.
If you are like me, you have more than one of these symptoms. Don’t worry, this only means you are going to continue your successful walk through life. There will be challenges ahead. There will be long days, few friends by your side, and you will hardly ever get a moment to yourself. Why do we do it? Simply put, a CEOs life may be hard- but the reward of single-handedly growing a company outshines any negative aspects.
