What Does It Take to Lead a Small Business or Nonprofit?

There’s been some hubbub about a column David Brooks wrote in The New York Times about the character traits of CEOs.

Not all CEOs are entrepreneurs, but all successful entrepreneurs need to be CEOs. According to a study by Kaplan, Mark Klebanov and Morten Sorensen, the traits that correlated most powerfully with a CEOs success are attention to detail, persistence, efficiency, analytic thoroughness and the ability to work long hours. It’s not just that Jim Collins in Good to Great and others make this point as well, it’s that based on my experience, I agree. Whether you’re heading a nonprofit or a for profit, leaders need to be hardworking and steadfast critical thinkers. These days, I’d equate efficiency with bootstrapping and using technology efficiently.

David Brooks may call these character traits dull, I call them necessary. What qualities do think you are essential for your organization’s head honcho to have?

Geri
P.S. I’ll be doing a FREE webinar on what it takes to be entrepreneur and if you’re lacking in any specific area how to fortify yourself. Look for an announcement early in June.