Why CEOs are so lonely?

Why Are CEOs So Lonely?

There are many misconceptions about the CEO role; the one about it being extremely lonely is not one of them.

We explore what to do (and what not to do) about it.

of CEOs report feelings of loneliness

and

believe loneliness hinders their performance.

Source: It’s Time to Acknowledge CEO Loneliness (2012). Harvard Business Review

Carol B. Tomé, CEO of UPS, was warned before taking the role that she would feel lonely.

She wasn’t fazed...

Loneliness as a CEO can manifest in different ways.

Sometimes, CEOs fight to feel part of a team, for camaraderie, and even a wish to be liked.

But this causes knock-on issues.

CEOs need to regularly disassociate from their SLT in order to make tough decisions.

Another coping mechanism is for CEOs to further isolate themselves and become islands.

But this only blunts their decision-making, as well as their confidence in those decisions.

So, what can new CEOs do to combat loneliness?

Becoming a CEO puts you out of your comfort zone. It’s important CEOs realize they’re not infallible. It can help to harness this vulnerability; rather than let it paralyze you.

It’s critical new CEOs find support by growing their external networks—past colleagues, other CEOs, as well as external mentors, coaches, and advisors.

Having people whom you can bounce ideas off, and who are comfortable challenging you, is essential. They can be hard for new CEOs to find. Regardless, they need to find them.

Discover more about how new CEOs can nail their first 12-18 months in our latest book, authored by Ty Wiggins, RRA Leadership Advisor, including how to:

Balance listening and action.

Burst the CEO bubble.

Get your messaging right.

Move quickly on your team.

Effectively engage the board and investors.

Evolve your culture.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

quote

How we support CEO transitions

Your odds for success as a new CEO can be significantly improved with a comprehensive CEO transition advisory program.

We help you navigate your first year in role, so you start well and perform quickly—minus the common mistakes.

Learn more

Praise for The New CEO

A must-read, packed with real-world wisdom from leading CEOs and backed by in-depth research. This isn’t just another leadership book; it’s a lifeline for new CEOs, offering concrete strategies for a successful start. From setting priorities and dealing with crisis to building your team and engaging your board—this book covers it. A great gift for any new CEO.”

Hubert Joly
Former Best Buy CEO, senior lecturer Harvard Business School, and Author, The Heart of Business

In a fast-moving world, having a practical, pragmatic, and purposeful approach for stepping into the CEO role is more important than ever. In The New CEO, Ty provides just the right blend of strategic and tactical counsel to accelerate your CEO transition for sustainable success. A must-read for seasoned and next-generation CEOs.”

Alex Gorsky
Board member of Apple and IBM, and former Chairman and CEO of Johnson & Johnson

Ty Wiggins has made it his career to help new CEOs deliver a strong start. He distills his rich experience in this trusted step-by-step guide that will help you tackle the issues you face during your transition. This is a critical book for all new CEOs—and those who work with them—and it could not have come at a more important time.”

Nancy McKinstry
CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Wolters Kluwer

Having Ty as my advisor was one of the most valuable assets I had in navigating my first year as a CEO. Now even more leaders can benefit from his expertise. Every new CEO faces different challenges—but the advice, anecdotes, and research in this book will help any new corporate leader lay the groundwork for their long-term success.”

Katie Koch
President and CEO, The TCW Group

For all the attention on new CEOs, there is little objective guidance on how to nail your first 12 months in office. The New CEO offers a clear path forward. Blending in-depth research and powerful stories, Ty offers a critical guide on how to win as a new CEO— and deliver standout results for you and your organization.”

Oscar Munoz
Board member of Salesforce, former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines, and Author, Turnaround Time