CEO discussion on getting the right person in the right seat

“Vistage CEO group workshops are especially vital to new leaders, “ Jay Holstine said, in sharing how his Dallas-based CEO peer group helps business leaders capitalize on change, and attain new levels of productivity. 

“Whether it’s building the right team, identifying the best finance strategies, or the right markets in which to expand, the interplay of smart ideas is vital to finding solutions that fit each CEO’s company,” Holstine added. 

“Our CEOs depend on market experts, as well as the group’s shared wisdom, practical experience, and ideas, to help identify new ways teams and companies can work more successfully,” Jay Holstine shared. “The group’s discussions are continually enriched with speakers from various disciplines, along with new research, and the group’s sharing of their own challenges and experiences,” Holstine added.

“While some of our CEO members have been in this role for more than four years, a good portion are within their first four years as CEO,” Holstine said.  The consensus is that, coming into the role, it’s important to learn what’s working well, as opposed to bringing in a wholesale new slate of changes” 

“While a recent workshop focused on understanding the various facets of the company, from markets, customers, partners, human resources, and how they work together as a whole, it’s also important to prioritize your focus, avoid micromanaging or doing the things you should be delegating” Holstine said.

“Having the right people in the right roles makes all the difference. It’s vital to find the best uses for your top talents to help boost their productivity, their value within the staff and ultimately, the company’s efficiency. Several members of our group us Culture Index to measure seven work-related traits inherent in all people to make executives effective. The seven traits are: Autonomy, Social-Ability, Patience, Conformity, Energy Units, Logic, and Ingenuity.

One CEO offered, that it’s part of the natural course of business for areas of the company to fluctuate with changes in the market, have successes and failures, learn, regroup, and rebuild. It’s important to expect some turbulence, balance the emotions and work productively on solutions. 

The group agreed that serving as an executive is about providing confidence and stability through the challenges. Guard yourself from reacting too erratically, or quickly. Keep the long-term perspective for the best viability of the business.

“Good leadership is more about optimizing your team, not just managing their production. If your team knows you have confidence in the plan, and you faith in the team, their performance and productivity will rise to this occasion,” Holstine shared.

“Our Vistage CEO peer group is aiding in the inspiration of these leaders in workshops, and in the established rapport between meetings. We know that a vital part of leadership is not just growing the skills of your staff, but also continuing to develop your own capabilities,” Holstine said.