Whether you run your own business or just want to elevate your current mindset, a lot of people look up to and admire CEOs like Elon Musk or Bill Gates. But what makes these people so different from the rest of us?
1. Be a Constant Learner
Something most CEOs have in common is their ability to learn from mistakes – and keep on learning. Someone who can start a business from the ground up and make it a success is someone who has a natural curiosity about a variety of subjects and wants to become an expert in everything. No topic is too small to be important. To start cultivating this quality in your own life, try checking out Wikipedia for CEOs and browsing the topics until something catches your eye. Instead of spending all your free time on mindless entertainment, use that time to learn valuable skills.
In addition, criticism and correction should no longer be seen as negatives in your life. These are opportunities to learn and grow, and you should embrace them as such. If you’re prone to feeling defensive when someone criticizes or gives negative feedback about your work, it’s time to correct that mindset and start growing.
2. Develop Communication Skills
A lot of the time, the CEO isn’t the skilled professional in charge of developing products. Instead, CEOs are masters of communication. They’re the ones making important connections and drawing people into their business ideas. You might be surprised how much more seriously people will take you if you take the time to improve your communication skills.
Put effort into expressing yourself clearly and concisely, whether you’re speaking with your boss over email or sending a text to a family member. And remember: communication is just as much about listening as it is about speaking. If you can listen actively to whoever you’re speaking with and actually take their words to heart, they’ll feel heard and will be more likely to respond to what you have to say positively.
3. Think Creatively
Part of what makes a successful CEO is their ability to think outside of the box. Now, it isn’t always valuable to reject ideas just because they’ve been done before. Sometimes the old way of doing things has stuck around for a reason. But being able to question the way things are and think creatively is going to help you channel that CEO mindset. You’re in charge of innovating and making things new, so get used to thinking about alternatives to the status quo and creative solutions to problems.
4. Develop a Vision
One of the reasons why CEOs are so good at convincing others to give them their time and money is because they have the courage of their convictions behind every word they say. One of the best ways to develop this quality is by having a clear vision for whatever it is you’re doing. You don’t have to run a business to have a mission and values behind what you do.
5. Confident Body Language
Lastly, one of the biggest aspects of a successful CEO is their ability to project confidence in any situation. If you lack confidence and think it’s an inherent quality, think again. Many people who might seem confident to you are most likely faking it until they make it. Essentially, dressing and acting the part is going to eventually make it real. A few ways to help yourself feel and look more confident are:
- Dressing professionally. No, a suit and tie aren’t always necessary, but try elevating your wardrobe to high-quality and well-fitting pieces.
- Maintaining good posture. You might be surprised by how much taller and more self-assured you look without a slouch.
- Speaking with conviction. Every word that leaves your mouth should have your full endorsement.
By making some of these qualities part of your mindset, you’ll be on your way to having the essence of a CEO in everything you do.
