The 6 Habits of World-Class CEOs.

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Being a CEO is no small feat. Leading a company to success requires more than just business knowledge and strategic planning—it demands habits that consistently drive performance, inspire teams, and keep the organization moving forward.

While every CEO has their unique style, there are certain habits that the best of the best share. These habits are not just about managing a company—they’re about developing a mindset that promotes growth, leadership, and personal success.

The habits of world-class CEOs go beyond just managing a company—they’re about cultivating a mindset that drives continuous improvement, inspires teams, and fosters long-term success. By mastering time management, making data-driven decisions, prioritizing people and culture, committing to learning, delegating effectively, and staying resilient, you too can build the foundation for becoming a world-class leader.

If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, start by integrating these habits into your daily routine. With consistent effort and a focus on growth, you’ll be well on your way to leading your business—and your team—to greater heights.

Here are six habits of world-class CEOs that can help transform your leadership approach and take your business to the next level.

1. Relentless Focus on Time Management

Time is the most valuable resource a CEO has, and world-class CEOs know this. They are masters of time management, prioritizing what matters most and delegating the rest. Every task is approached with a clear purpose: Does this contribute to the growth of the company or help me achieve my long-term vision?

Great CEOs use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-blocking to structure their days. They also make the time for personal reflection and focus on strategic thinking. For example, they’ll often schedule blocks of uninterrupted time for brainstorming or planning, ensuring that they don’t get caught up in day-to-day distractions.

2. Data-Driven Decision Making

World-class CEOs make decisions based on data, not guesswork. They rely on hard facts, key performance indicators (KPIs), and analytics to guide their strategies, rather than relying solely on intuition or personal biases. CEOs who excel understand that data isn’t just about numbers; it’s a powerful tool that reveals trends, opportunities, and potential pitfalls.

Whether it’s customer insights, financial reports, or employee performance metrics, top CEOs use data to drive decisions at every level of the business. They invest in systems and software that enable them to track relevant data and adjust their strategies in real-time.

3. A Laser Focus on People and Culture

World-class CEOs understand that a company’s success starts with its people. They prioritize building strong relationships with their teams, ensuring employees feel heard, valued, and empowered. They know that a motivated, engaged workforce is one of the most powerful assets a business can have.

Great CEOs are also culture builders. They intentionally create a company culture that aligns with their values and mission. This includes promoting open communication, transparency, and trust throughout the organization. World-class CEOs know that a healthy, positive culture drives productivity, attracts top talent, and improves retention.

4. A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

The most successful CEOs are avid learners. They read extensively, stay curious, and are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge. Whether it’s learning about new technologies, leadership strategies, or industry trends, they invest in personal development as much as they invest in their business.

They also surround themselves with other leaders who challenge them to think bigger and encourage growth. Whether it’s through mentors, coaches, or a strong network of peers, top CEOs continuously seek new perspectives and insights to sharpen their skills and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

5. Mastery of Delegation

World-class CEOs understand that they can’t do everything themselves. They surround themselves with a strong leadership team and delegate tasks to the right people at the right time. Effective delegation frees up a CEO’s time to focus on high-level strategy, vision, and innovation.

By trusting their team to execute on the details, CEOs can lead with confidence, knowing that their organization is moving forward even when they’re not directly involved in every project. Successful delegation also helps develop the skills of those around them, creating a culture of accountability and responsibility within the company.

6. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Perhaps one of the most important habits of world-class CEOs is their ability to stay resilient in the face of challenges. Every business faces obstacles, whether it’s economic downturns, competitive threats, or internal problems. Top CEOs don’t crumble under pressure—they stay calm, composed, and focused on finding solutions.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about having the mindset to learn from failure and adapt quickly. Great CEOs view setbacks as opportunities to improve, adjust, and come back stronger. Their ability to weather storms while maintaining a clear vision for the future is one of the reasons they succeed where others might falter.

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About the author

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Founded Like Minds in 2009. Andrew is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor. He founded design agency Icon in 1983 (sold to AGI Media) and Eyetoeye, one of the first digital agencies in the UK, in 1994. He advises start-ups and digital agencies on business development and is an Evaluated Consultant for Business Finland, the export arm of the Embassy of Finland. He was elected a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts in 2000.