Thoughts on Becoming a CEO

Resist the temptation to confuse a good story with good leadership. Exciting stories are usually the result of poor decisions. Good leadership makes drama disappear.

-Martin Gutmann

I love this quote by Martin Gutmann; while attempting to be the CEO and official at my startup I recognize a lot of drama in the process. My take is that we must guide our organization with charisma but with a clear mind without giving in to desperate or “poor decisions”.

Initially, it is important to set up the groundwork to organize a team and processes that are lasting, and which will accomplish the goals of the organization. Then, it is important to follow that plan and not lose sight of what we are trying to accomplish. Finally, it is important to be generous with our ideas so that everyone benefits, including employees, shareholders and customers.

When I think of great companies, I believe that planning is an important part of the process of success. Without a resolution to the small problems, resolution to big problems cannot be accomplished. Knowing the ins and outs of the organization, means knowing how each component operates and what each team member does. 

I believe that having a heart for business is not necessary, just planning and a clear path towards where we are headed is necessary. Missing opportunities to make connections is okay, failing to complete the budget for the annual report is okay, not filing your taxes on time due to time constraints is perfectly fine. However, do not lose sight of where you are going because otherwise the substance of the business and organization is lost. 

In accounting practices, there is an enforcement of rules, policies and it is a highly strict environment in which professionals must adhere to principles, structures and guides as to how to report, how to provide the appropriate information and where to go for the most updated information: irs.gov.

I have met many professionals in my career who lack an understanding, not of their job, but where they are headed or what they are trying to accomplish, and thus, things fall apart, and we end up empowering others but not ourselves. John Maxwell says that we must empower others to empower ourselves, and when we have reached a place where we can teach, we must do so, we must train, and we must educate. However, it is important to reach the appropriate time because without timing there is failure, just like the topic of planning.

I believe that many complexities of the business environment can be solved with organization, a clear mind and education about what we can and cannot do for ourselves and for others. In the end, it is our goal to help find solutions as opposed to hinder, damage or curtail any opportunities without the possibility of resolution.