1. Set the Direction: Be Bold

The first responsibility of a CEO is defining the organization’s direction. This includes:

• Vision: Craft a compelling vision. For example, Mastercard’s bold goal was to “fight cash,” not merely outperform competitors.
• Strategy: CEOs like Satya Nadella of Microsoft made bold strategic moves, such as pivoting to cloud services and adopting subscription models for software.
• Resource Allocation: Successful CEOs actively channel resources toward top priorities.

2. Align the Organization

Ensure all teams move in the same direction by fostering a strong culture, agile structures, and top-tier talent. Companies like Google excel by balancing stability with adaptability.

3. Build a Strong Leadership Team

A well-composed, synchronized senior team can drive the organization forward. Focus on:

• Complementary skills
• Regular performance reviews
• A shared commitment to goals

4. Engage the Board

Diverse and capable boards enrich decision-making. Effective CEOs, like Reed Hastings of Netflix, educate board members to align them with organizational goals.

5. Connect with Stakeholders

Define your company’s purpose, engage meaningfully, and prepare for crises. Caterpillar, for instance, excelled during the 2008 financial crisis by scenario planning.

6. Master Personal Performance

Focus on tasks only you can do, stay authentic yet adaptable, and empower others. CEOs who regularly seek honest feedback—like Jim Owens at Caterpillar—achieve exceptional growth.

McKinsey’s checklist is a trusted tool for CEOs worldwide, helping them refine their approach and lead with purpose.

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