Earlier, only experienced and seasoned individuals could land an executive role, especially a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position. However, today, the business world is witnessing a noticeable shift in CEO demographics.
According to research, an average CEO’s age has been lowered by almost 20 years.
Similarly, industry leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, David Smith, and Matt Maddox have changed the business world forever. It proves that the workforce is evolving as younger generations take the lead.
Are you below the age of 35 and have recently become CEO? Then, in this post, we will discuss four ways to help you excel at your duties as a young CEO.
1. Understand the Importance of Continuous Learning
As a young CEO, you can bring innovative ideas and youthful energy to the company. However, you might not have sufficient experience in various leadership administrations due to your age. That is why many believe that CEOs, irrespective of their age, should never stop learning.
Continuous personal and professional development is crucial for you to remain at the top of your company. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs wouldn’t have achieved so much success if they stopped learning or developing their skill sets.
But how do you keep learning after securing a CEO position? Well, an online doctorate in education leadership can be beneficial if you have a busy schedule but want to learn more about leadership. With it, you can gain insights into ethical decision-making, strategic planning, and team management.
These intensive courses are designed for working individuals who want to learn organizational leadership. As a result, it helps young CEOs efficiently address modern-day business issues at their workplace.
According to Spalding University, these degrees can help young leaders develop an influential voice while innovating sustainable and transformative change.
In short, this course will give you the proper training and education needed to work through the complexities of the business world.
2. Be Passionate
Young CEOs like you have unwavering ambition and passion for career goals.
For example, Ben Kaufman’s dedication and passion led him to become one of the youngest CEOs in the world. He started his entrepreneurial journey with companies like Mophie and Quirky at the tender age of 18. Today, Kaufman’s net worth is USD 26.5 million.
Bill George’s book ‘Authentic Leadership’ argues that young leaders should demonstrate a fire-like passion for their purpose. This passion can help you establish long-term professional relationships and use self-discipline to achieve business growth.
Therefore, you should take risks and have clear visions about your goals. Over time, you must nurture your ambition and cultivate a solid vision that will help you strive toward success.
3. Be Resilient
Being young gives you the ability to have a fresh perspective that goes beyond conventional business thinking. However, there can be skepticism and doubts.
Due to your age, your competitors, employees, and clients might hesitate to accept your authority.
That is why you must be resilient and stick to your decisions. This way, you can overcome setbacks and face adverse criticism.
Take Elon Musk’s case as an example. He was almost on the verge of bankruptcy. However, he bounced back due to his resilience towards his passion and dream of being successful. He states that young leaders should stay open to new ideas without fearing the outcome.
It proves that resilience in the face of adversity can help young CEOs venture through the maze of complex business decisions.
4. Balance Confidence, Authority, and Humility
A young CEO’s most valuable trait is their confidence and ability to portray authority. However, you need to master the art of balancing humility with confidence and authority to be successful.
For example, Jeff Bezos takes the throne when it comes to CEOs showing humility. He perfectly combined his confidence, sense of authority, and intellectual humility to rise up the corporate ladder.
Like him, you must find the perfect equilibrium to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. This way, you can practice self-awareness, listen to constructive criticism, and celebrate your success with gratitude.
Even then, being young might make you less confident in making bold business decisions. If you feel this way, you can seek guidance from an experienced mentor. These individuals will help you understand your shortcomings and accept your mistakes.
A Canadian study states that there will be positive company growth if you take responsibility for making mistakes. Accepting mistakes also proves your humidity and allows you to adapt to change while maintaining authority.
The Bottom Line
You are subjected to intense pressure and expectations once you become the CEO of a company. People expect you to have business and administrative knowledge.
You can live up to such expectations with passion, resilience, confidence, education, and humility. All you have to do is focus on long-term, sustainable growth by developing a strategic mindset.
Yes, the journey toward success will be treacherous, but the right entrepreneurial mindset and skills will help you persevere.
Young CEOs must keep their chins up and charge for the mountains, irrespective of the corporate challenges.
