7 Traits of Likeable CEOs

Whether it’s eccentric Elon or zany Zuckerberg, there’s no doubt that the CEO is a fascinating breed who has Joe Public more than a little bit curious.

We’re hooked on their habits and hungry to know more. What do they eat? How much sleep do they get? What is it about the daily routines that set them apart from civilians?

Setting aside the well-publicised quirks and idiosyncrasies for a moment, we take a look behind the scenes, at 7 of the top traits that make a likeable CEO.

1. Vision. Great CEOs are visionaries, risk-takers, and pioneers. They aren’t afraid to take calculated risks to elevate their operations. Often, it’s this audacious thinking that sets them apart from the rest. Some of the best are known for their bold business moves, executed with courage and conviction. They don’t let fear deter them, but rather they embrace it - and know how to work with it to get results.

2. Transparency. Honest, clear communication helps elevate a CEO from good to great. When you know what you want to achieve - and how you want to achieve it - there’s no room for corporate jargon or confusing language. Honesty and clarity are key. Likeable, successful CEOs say what they mean and mean what they say.

3. Strong Work Ethic. Likeable CEOs aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty on the shop floor. They know that accountability is top-down, and as such work tirelessly to foster great work habits in employees - and ensure that every aspect of the business runs smoothly. They’re humble enough to remember that success takes hard work, elbow grease, and collaboration. Some of the most likeable CEOs started at the bottom and worked their way up. They know their roots - and like to revisit them.

4. Objectivity. It’s easy to take things personally. When things go well, we often pat ourselves on the back for a job well done. When things go awry, we tend to beat ourselves up. Likeable CEOs are able to separate emotions from tasks, by thinking objectively and rationally. They don’t let the personal impact the professional - and as such can keep moving and adapting, even when the going gets tough.

5. Growth Mindset. Successful, likeable CEOs adopt a growth mindset that makes them more amenable to change, better placed to face challenges, better able to tackle conflict resolution, more focused, and more open to collaboration. A growth mindset is pro-social, so it also helps improve interpersonal relationships and professional networks, too. Adopting the right mindset can help foster a positive work culture that leads to better business practices - and better business growth.

6. Authority. Great leadership isn’t always easy. There are often difficult decisions and tough calls to make, with no time to waste. This calls for authority, courage, and integrity. A likeable CEO knows exactly what to do and how to do it - even if that means discomfort on some level is likely. They act swiftly and decisively, aware that difficult decisions are part and parcel of the CEO's territory.

7. Curiosity. Likeable CEOs know that the work doesn’t stop just because they’ve reached the top. They’re perpetually curious, and constantly seeking new opportunities to learn and upskill. Not only that, but they’re humble enough to admit that they’re not omniscient - and vulnerable enough to let the right people in to help them plug knowledge or skills gaps.

These are just some of the qualities that go into making a likeable CEO. But what is it exactly that sets a good CEO apart from a great one?

What sets successful CEOs apart?

According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, it comes down to 4 key things; the ability to deliver reliable results, being able to adapt, being able to make quick decisions, and the ability to engage for impact.

Perhaps being a successful CEO is less about eccentric habits, exotic diets, and education - and more about adopting the right behaviours for proven success, then? If that’s the case, then maybe great leaders are made, rather than born - and success as CEO is attainable no matter who you are.

Does following a CEO routine make you successful?

Well…that depends. If you’re keen to emulate the success of a CEO, then it’s worth considering that simply waking up at 4 am, working in 5-minute increments, or only eating a macrobiotic diet won’t get you there alone.

There are no hacks or tricks, unfortunately! But if you are prepared to commit to adopting solid behavioural routines and practices that experts such as McKinsey frequently cite as the key to CEO success, then your chances might just improve. It also pays to know your purpose, and keep your mindset in check.