Leadership
Is being CEO still the dream job, and what does it take to be great?

Have you ever dreamed of being the CEO of a company? It’s a common aspiration for many people, and for good reason – being the head of a successful organization can bring many benefits. But is the top job all it’s cracked up to be?

Written by | Co-Founder of ZOKRI

Accomplishment has a flipside

One of the most significant upsides of being a CEO is the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. As the leader of a company, you’re responsible for making important decisions that can have a significant impact on the success of the organization. Seeing your hard work pay off and watching the company grow and thrive can be incredibly rewarding.

Of course, things do not always go well. CEOs are accountable for their company’s performance, and if things go wrong, they’re the ones who take the blame. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, and the long hours can take a toll on your personal life.

As the CEO, you’ll be faced with tough choices every day. Making touch choices comes at a price; of course, not everyone will be happy with the outcomes. Balancing the company’s needs with the needs of employees, shareholders, and customers can be challenging, and it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly walking a tightrope.

CEO burnout is a thing

Burnout among CEOs is a serious issue that can lead to various negative symptoms. Recognizing the signs of burnout is crucial for both CEOs and managers. Early identification can lead to faster recovery and prevention. Several key indicators of burnout include physical, behavioral, and mental/emotional signs.

More than half of managers (53%) report feeling burned out at work. According to Microsoft’s most recent Work Trend Index. Read more here.

Physical signs include constant fatigue or exhaustion, a weakened immune system leading to frequent illness, changes in appetite (either eating more or less than usual), muscle pain, tension headaches, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Behavioral signs may include difficulty completing tasks and procrastination, withdrawing from friends, family, and colleagues, expressing frustration and negativity, and avoiding work responsibilities.

Mental and emotional signs of burnout include chronic anxiety, symptoms of depression (such as low self-esteem, feeling down or like a failure), developing a negative attitude toward work, and feeling a lack of accomplishment in one’s role.

Still interested? The path to being a great CEO

If you take the top job, I advise committing to being great at it. The things that are on the roadmap to success are the ones I think matter: