The CEO Next Door

The CEO Next Door by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell

Book Summary

The CEO Next Door is a business book written by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell. The book provides insights into the qualities and behaviors of successful CEOs, based on research and interviews with over 2,600 executives. The authors argue that anyone can become a CEO, and offer practical advice on how to develop the necessary skills and attributes. The book also challenges common assumptions about what makes a successful CEO, and provides a new perspective on leadership and career development.

Book Review

The CEO Next Door is a book that explores what makes successful CEOs stand out from the rest. The book is written by Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell, who have interviewed thousands of CEOs and conducted extensive research to identify the common traits and behaviors that lead to success.
The book is organized into three parts. The first part focuses on the myths and misconceptions about what it takes to become a CEO. The authors argue that there is no single path to becoming a CEO and that successful CEOs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
The second part of the book explores the four behaviors that successful CEOs exhibit: decisiveness, engagement, adaptability, and reliability. The authors provide examples of CEOs who embody these behaviors and offer practical advice for readers who want to develop these traits.
The final part of the book discusses the importance of building a strong support network and offers advice for how to do so.
The authors’ writing style is clear and straightforward, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The book is filled with anecdotes and examples from real CEOs, which helps to illustrate the concepts and make them more relatable.
What I enjoyed about the book was the practical advice it offered for aspiring CEOs or anyone who wants to become a better leader. The authors provide concrete steps for how to develop the behaviors that lead to success, and their advice is based on extensive research and real-world experience.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in leadership or wants to become a CEO. Here are 10 key takeaways from the book:
1. Successful CEOs come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
2. There is no single path to becoming a CEO.
3. Successful CEOs exhibit four key behaviors: decisiveness, engagement, adaptability, and reliability.
4. Decisiveness is the ability to make tough decisions quickly and confidently.
5. Engagement is the ability to connect with others and build strong relationships.
6. Adaptability is the ability to pivot and change course when necessary.
7. Reliability is the ability to follow through on commitments and deliver results.
8. Building a strong support network is crucial for success.
9. A strong support network includes mentors, sponsors, and peers.
10. Developing the behaviors that lead to success takes time and effort, but it is possible for anyone to do so.
One of the strengths of the book is the extensive research and real-world examples that the authors provide. They have interviewed thousands of CEOs and have distilled their findings

Summary of Chapters

Chapter 1: The CEO Genome Project
In this chapter, the authors introduce the CEO Genome Project, which is a study of over 17,000 C-suite executives and their career paths. They discuss the four key behaviors that are common among successful CEOs: decisive, engaging, reliable, and adaptable.
Chapter 2: The CEO Genome: Decisive
In this chapter, the authors delve deeper into the first key behavior of successful CEOs: being decisive. They explain that decisive CEOs are able to make tough decisions quickly and with confidence. They also provide tips for developing this skill.
Chapter 3: The CEO Genome: Engaging
The second key behavior of successful CEOs is being engaging. In this chapter, the authors explain that engaging CEOs are able to build strong relationships with employees, customers, and other stakeholders. They provide tips for developing this skill, including active listening and empathy.
Chapter 4: The CEO Genome: Reliable
The third key behavior of successful CEOs is being reliable. In this chapter, the authors explain that reliable CEOs are able to consistently deliver results and meet commitments. They provide tips for developing this skill, including setting clear expectations and following through on promises.
Chapter 5: The CEO Genome: Adaptable
The fourth and final key behavior of successful CEOs is being adaptable. In this chapter, the authors explain that adaptable CEOs are able to navigate change and uncertainty with ease. They provide tips for developing this skill, including being open to feedback and learning from failure.
Chapter 6: The CEO Next Door: Five Essential CEO Qualities
In this chapter, the authors discuss five essential qualities that CEOs need to have in addition to the four key behaviors. These qualities are: a strong sense of purpose, a willingness to engage with others, a focus on the long-term, a willingness to take calculated risks, and a passion for learning.
Chapter 7: The CEO Next Door: The Importance of Career Strategy
In this chapter, the authors emphasize the importance of having a career strategy in order to become a successful CEO. They provide tips for developing a career strategy, including setting goals and seeking out mentors.
Chapter 8: The CEO Next Door: The Power of Networks
In this chapter, the authors discuss the importance of building a strong network in order to advance in your career. They provide tips for building a network, including attending industry events and seeking out opportunities to collaborate with others.
Chapter 9: The CEO Next Door: The Role of Luck

Practical Applications

The CEO Next Door provides practical applications and actionable steps for individuals who aspire to become successful CEOs. Some of the key takeaways from the book include:
1. Focus on your strengths: The authors suggest that individuals should focus on their strengths and work on developing them further. They argue that CEOs are not necessarily well-rounded individuals, but rather, they excel in a few key areas.
2. Develop a growth mindset: The authors emphasize the importance of having a growth mindset, which involves embracing challenges, learning from failures, and persisting in the face of setbacks.
3. Build a strong network: The authors suggest that individuals should build a strong network of mentors, advisors, and peers who can provide support and guidance throughout their career.
4. Be intentional about career choices: The authors suggest that individuals should be intentional about their career choices and seek out opportunities that align with their strengths and interests.
5. Embrace feedback: The authors emphasize the importance of seeking out feedback from others and using it to improve performance.
Overall, The CEO Next Door provides practical advice for individuals who aspire to become successful CEOs, emphasizing the importance of focusing on strengths, developing a growth mindset, building a strong network, being intentional about career choices, and embracing feedback.

Genre
Business Leadership / Self-Help