When you’re offered a top job, excitement can cloud your judgment. But misalignment at the outset often leads to frustration—for you and the board. Before you accept the role of CEO, pressure-test the opportunity by getting clear on four essential questions.
What’s the mission? Get clarity on the company’s north star. What is the strategic direction? Do board members agree on it? Are the expectations feasible given the time, capital, and market conditions? Agreement here sets the tone for everything that follows.
What’s the mandate? Define what success looks like in concrete terms. What outcomes are you accountable for—and by when? Nail down what matters most, how it ties to compensation, and how flexible that plan is over time.
What are the conditions for success? Figure out what you’ll need to deliver. That might include board alignment, talent flexibility, capital strategy, or permission to make hard calls. Without the right enablers, even a great CEO will struggle.
What are the third rails? Every organization has untouchables. Know what you can’t change, be it people, structure, or culture. If you don’t have authority to build your team or make critical moves, think twice. |
