The 21st-Century CEO: Intrinsic Attributes, Worldview, and Communication Capabilities

Abstract

This article analyzes interview data from 20 CEOs—drawing on their combined experiences to illuminate both the challenges that will face CEOs in the 21st century and the knowledge, competencies and skills they will need to succeed. The results of the qualitative analysis suggested the importance of a Global IQ, the ability to recognize talent, both the knowledge of global strategies as well as both vision and execution. CEOs must possess both global experience and an acute understanding of cultural differences to build a global company. The 21st-century CEO must have global talent acquisition capabilities that not only embrace diverse populations but also understand the cultures represented in the workforce. The CEO must be able to manage global growth and be comfortable in a broad cross-section of international markets and settings. And finally, they must possess the breadth necessary to be visionaries but understand the details that contribute to successful organizational functioning. The analysis of data not only reinforces traditional values that remain important but also identifies how perspectives on organizational functioning must change to embrace the future.