The Hard Thing About Hard Things

An inside look at the lonely times and harsh decisions faced by CEOs is offered in the book The Hard Thing About Hard Things. It emphasises three key points: There are two kinds of chief executive officers (CEOs), and the first is the "Ones" and the second is the "Twos." Additionally, excellent CEOs know how to be at ease when things go tough.

First lesson: in a crisis, the chief executive officer should be the one to raise their voice. 

This is due to the fact that word will get out about a crisis in due time, thus employees will eventually find out regardless. Attempting to address the situation discreetly will result in under-allocation of resources.

Second Lesson: In order for a business to stand apart, 

it is crucial to pay attention to two unusual differences: the Ones and the Twos. Some chief executive officers have a strategic mindset, are great decision-makers, and aren't hesitant to change course when necessary. They are also CEOs with a passion for getting things done, leading teams, and implementing real ideas.

If you're more of a One, try developing your Two talents, and if you're a Two, work on improving your One. A company that excels at both will thrive. Having functional ones on staff is critical for executive positions. As an example, a functional one in charge of marketing would be fine with making long-term decisions about the company's direction, but she'd prefer to blindly follow your lead.

Three, be comfortable with discomfort; 

it is what makes a successful chief executive officer. No matter how small the mishap—the new product's failure to sell or Steve and Sally's argument over the remaining cake—you, as CEO, will always be held accountable. Since you're going to be in this uncomfortable position for a while, you might as well become used to it.

Being a chief executive officer isn't easy; there are plenty of times when you have to fight your gut. Stepping out of your comfort zone a little bit at a time is a great place to start. The real magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone.