The CEO Next Door

The 4 Behaviors that Transform Ordinary People into World-Class Leaders

By: Elena L. Botelho, Kim R. Powell, Tahl Raz

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

NEW YORK TIMES AND WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER • Winner of CMI Management Book of the Year 2019

Based on an in-depth analysis of over 2,600 leaders drawn from a database of more than 17,000 CEOs and C-suite executives, as well 13,000 hours of interviews, and two decades of experience advising CEOs and executive boards, Elena L. Botelho and Kim R. Powell overturn the myths about what it takes to get to the top and succeed.

Their groundbreaking research was the featured cover story in the May-June 2017 issue of Harvard Business Review. It reveals the common attributes and counterintuitive choices that set apart successful CEOs—lessons that we can apply to our own careers.

Much of what we hear about who gets to the top, and how, is wrong. Those who become chief executives set their sights on the C-suite at an early age. In fact, over 70 percent of the CEOs didn’t have designs on the corner office until later in their careers. You must graduate from an elite college. In fact, only 7 percent of CEOs in the dataset are Ivy League graduates--and 8 percent didn't graduate from college at all. To become a CEO you need a flawless résumé. The reality: 45 percent of CEO candidates had at least one major career blowup.

What those who reach the top do share are four key behaviors that anyone can master: they are decisive; they are reliable, delivering what they promised when the promise it, without exception; they adapt boldly, and they engage with stakeholders without shying away from conflict.

Based on this breakthrough study of the most successful people in business, Botelho and Powell offer career advice for everyone who aspires to get ahead. Based on research insights illustrated by real life stories from CEOs and boardrooms, they tell us how to:

- Fast-track our career by deploying the career catapults used by those who get to the top quickly

- Overcome the hidden handicaps to getting the job we want.

- Avoid the 5 hazards that most commonly derail those promoted into a new role.

For everyone who aspires to rise up through the organization and achieve their full potential, The CEO Next Door is an essential guide.

Great Insights and Action Plans

I really enjoyed this book. They shared their research in a relatable way. They outlined the four characteristics they found for successful CEOs. While I'm not interested in that role, it gave me good tips for how to elevate my leadership skills. I'll definitely read this again.

The real deal

Absolutely read this. Don’t ask why, just trust me. THIS is information that will actually change your life if you listen & apply. NO ITS NOT going to turn you into a CEO - it more about how to be a LEADER in aspects of your career that I bet will hurl you above your current management staff. This book is for those of us brave enough to make it happen! I’m buying my bosses all a copy of this. It’s incredible & this is my subtle way of simultaneously all of them- YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG & I told you so! While also leading the pack within my own department. READ IT

Must read for top leaders

Destined to be a leadership classic. Brilliantly researched. Filled with a tremendous amount of useful philosophy and tactics for top leaders.

You Are Your Own CEO

Demystifying the CEO role, clarifying the CEO role, giving concrete actions steps for those seeking the CEO role and giving concrete action steps for those in the CEO role - all these and more make this an excellent read.

Excellent Read and Excellent Lessons

I was captivated by this book. Very transparent; constructive feedback. Felt like the author held a mirror up to me so that I could see areas for improvement in my perception and perspective. Loved it.