It's those unteachable skills, like charisma, which can make the difference between a good and a great CEO.
Consulting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu has conducted surveys of CEOs at technology, media and telecommunications focused companies in both Australia and the US. It found that common characteristics in CEOs included a strong leadership capability, and selling a vision.
Ian Thatcher, industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, said CEOs of these companies must be extremely adaptable to changing circumstances in what can be very turbulent markets.
He said that common characteristics which came through in both the Australian and US surveys were CEOs which were inspirational to their people, and who had the ability to attract and retain high-calibre workers.
Thatcher said these CEOs also had the understanding that there's a trade-off between developing technology and developing the market for their respective companies. -The other feature is unbounded energy and enthusiasm in a marketplace that can be very severe on underperforming companies," he said. -It's a combination of natural talent and experience."
-I think the globalisation of markets and the speed of communication has meant that the current crop of CEOs are under intense pressure, working incredibly long hours."
-There's a level of commmitment and dedication which is required these days which is beyond what was perhaps required of CEOs 10 years ago."
IT managers with a strong technology bent shouldn't be put off though. According to Sean Foster, director at executive recruitment consultancy Candle Executive, an understanding and interest in technology can help. -It doesn't mean they need to be a hands-on technologist," Foster said. -You've got to understand technology in order to convey that to people you'll be communicating with."
Foster believes the qualities which make a good CEO aren't usually industry-specific. He cites high energy levels, strong intelligence, experience in the areas they'll need to be performing in and general business development skills as key. Leadership, charisma, and good communication skills are also high up on the list.
-Creativity and visionary...again these are two aspects of harnessing technology in today's business environment," he said.
Likewise, Jonathon Wood-Freeman, CEO at recruitment consultants Howth Technologies, said CEOs need to have a good grasp of all the business issues effecting their business. He also sees the need for these people to be leaders who have the ability to build a strong team around them.
And, while he doesn't see a technical background as a prerequisite, he believes CEOs need to have a pretty good grasp of the technology. -They are selling the vision...they've got to have a pretty good grasp of what it's all about, otherwise you've got too much of a learning curve."
