The book "CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets that Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest" by Carolyn Dewar, Scott Keller, and Vikram Malhotra, provides a valuable and insightful analysis of the qualities that distinguish successful leaders.
The book identifies six key mindsets critical to effective leadership based on extensive research and interviews with more than 2,400 companies. The authors argue that the most successful Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) possess a growth mindset, enabling them to embrace change and take risks. They also highlight the importance of curiosity and setting a firm direction for the company to go in. Other key mindsets are a learning mindset, in which the leader constantly strives to acquire new information, and a strategic mindset, where one connects with stakeholders, engages with the board, and identifies other leaders. All in all, these attitudes allow leaders to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to new challenges.
One of the book's most interesting insight is its focus on the importance of emotional intelligence for effective leadership. The authors argue that CEOs who can connect with their employees and understand their motivations and needs are more likely to build a strong and loyal team. Throughout the book, the authors also provide numerous examples of the 67 successful CEOs interviewed who embody these mindsets, including leaders at JP Morgan, Sony, Netflix, and Microsoft. It also provides cautionary tales of those who have failed to develop these perspectives, namely when CEOs find themselves on the wrong path but won't pivot or admit their failings.
Madan Sabnavis, the Chief Economist for the Bank of Baroda, tells the Financial Express that "CEO Excellence" is an "interesting book on 'what to do.'" He adds that the book is well-organized and easy to read, making it an accessible resource for both aspiring and experienced leaders.
