Class 5: Meta-Skills—a C, E and O Taxonomy

Abstract

Those who aspire to reach the C-suite must use their experience to develop certain mental capabilities and patterns of behaviour. The main insight to take away from this class is that anyone can develop effective leadership practices well before they reach a senior leadership position. In fact, you do not even need to be a manager to hone the three essential CEO habits outlined in this chapter.

In CEO School, we group the key skills into C-thinking, E-acumen and O-learning. And our 20 co-authors insist on the importance of developing all three as early as possible. C-thinking involves an ability to see the wood from the trees and to master complex, critical, creative and constructive thinking. E(motional) acumen is first about recognising yourself as human (that is, with emotions and needs, such as the desire for respect and fairness) and regulating your behaviour to satisfy your emotions. Second, it’s about recognising that others are human too—and using the resulting insights to build and maintain the social relations that create value for the company: in short, empathy. O-learning combines openness to learning with its operationalisation and an ongoing determination to continue learning throughout life.