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Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

What you’d do

  • Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
  • Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems.
  • Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
  • Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, to maximize returns on investments, or to increase productivity.
  • Prepare or present reports concerning activities, expenses, budgets, government statutes or rulings, or other items affecting businesses or program services.
  • Implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.
  • Analyze operations to evaluate performance of a company or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
  • Direct or coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.

Skills that matter

  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Management of Financial Resources
  • Management of Personnel Resources

How to get there

Extensive preparation: most need graduate school, such as a master's degree or higher

Also called

  • CEO (Chief Executive Officer)
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  • President
  • Chief Diversity Officer (CDO)
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO)

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