The CEO as Navigator and Obstacle Remover

The role of a CEO in a scaling company is not to be a dictator who cracks the whip, but to be a navigator who sets the course and an enabler who clears the path for the team.

The Navigator Role:

• Sets the Direction: The CEO is responsible for defining and communicating the company's vision, mission, and strategic goals. They answer the "what" and the "why," providing the team with a clear destination. This aligns with the idea that Your Company Mission is Your North Star.
• Charts the Course: They are responsible for the high-level strategy that will guide the company toward its goals.

The Obstacle Remover Role:

• Empowers the Team: Once the direction is set, the CEO must Trust Your Team and Relinquish Control of the execution. The team is responsible for the "how."
• Asks "How Can I Help?": The CEO's primary interaction with the team should be one of support. They should constantly ask questions like:
  • "How can I help you do your best work?"
  • "What resources are you lacking?"
  • "What obstacles are in your way?"
• Fends Off Impediments: The CEO's job is to protect the team from distractions and remove any roadblocks—be they internal or external—that are impeding their progress.

This leadership style fosters a culture of autonomy, ownership, and trust. It transforms the CEO from a micromanager into a servant leader whose primary function is to enable the success of their team.