All is not well...
You think that the CEO may not be as capable as they would like you to believe. How can you tell?
There are a number of signs that may support your belief.
1. There are regular restructures
If targets aren’t being met, it is a common ploy to blame the structure. If your business is going through regular restructures, this is a clear signal that should not be ignored. Annual (or more frequent) restructures are a definite sign.
2. Attributing blame
Regularly and publicly Blaming individuals, particularly to the board or shareholders. If they say “Johan is in the wrong role” this month, next month it is “Kian is just not up to it” and the third month you hear “ Lee is incompetent” then this signals issues. Blaming others is easy. Looking into yourself and taking proactive positive measures is so much harder.
3. Poor culture.
While everyone has a responsibility for organizational culture, the CEO has the biggest impact. They set the example through their own behaviors – what others see them say and do. To share an old quote "the fish stinks from the head down".
4. Strategy changes
The strategy keeps changing or CEO says ‘ it is the wrong strategy’. Sure businesses have to be nimble, adaptive to change – but constant strategy change is not healthy. The CEO is the owner of the organizational strategy. They are responsible. If it is wrong then they need to step up, express and address their concerns as it is being put together, not part way though.
5. Doesn’t connect
They keep themselves isolated from the rest of the business. They may say that their door is open but their behaviors indicate otherwise. Only connects with staff informally. Does not actually get to the coalface and meet staff on the floor. Always has an excuse for not being involved in staff events.
6. Lack of client focus
Views clients or customers as a hindrance. When someone complains about a customer, they agree rather than challenge this mindset. This then fosters an ant- client culture. Customer care is central to the success of any business.
7. Favoritism
They play favorites and this changes! Far too effusive about the capability of one person. Everyone knows it. Hero today can be zero in their eyes tomorrow.
8. Denigrates the work of their predecessors.
Does not acknowledge that the position the business is at today is a result of the contributions of EVERYONE and EVERYTHING that has gone before. Positions themself as the hero who will solve all the problems.
9. Teamwork is a word, not an action
Does not have regular team meetings with direct reports. Prefers to divide and conquer and have one on one meetings.
10. Silence and/or agreement in meetings
People are afraid to speak up and offer no opinions when in meetings where the CEO is present. There is no robust discussion. It is pointless. Their ideas and decisions are always the best. Groupthink abounds. People feel psychologically unsafe.
One of these on their own might not be a problem, but if there are three or more, your belief could be confirmed!