Six moves CEOs can make to effect change

CEOs must approach organisational purpose with a holistic perspective.

Chief executive officers need a clear conviction about where they can most effectively direct their efforts to shape their organisations and make a critical difference, according to a Boston Consulting Group report.

CEOs must approach organisational purpose with a holistic perspective, the report said. They will know they have been clear about strategy when stakeholders can articulate how delivering these ambitions links to specific value-creation objectives.

Moreover, CEOs must prioritise initiatives and ensure the team is focused on work that drives results—approving new initiatives and knowing when to pull the plug.

Further, they must create capacity by ensuring the diversity of the leadership team—not just a moral imperative but a competitive one as well. BCG said organisations that draw on a range of perspectives and experiences deliver better outcomes.

Additionally, creating drive and inspiring teams are also a must. To make it happen, CEOs need to adjust roles and responsibilities where there is overlap and systematically align projects with key strategic objectives,

This might involve eliminating products that are not core to the strategy and do not enhance competitive advantage or realign resources.

Lastly, CEOs play a critical role in resolving friction. Sometimes this involves reshaping the leadership team and prioritising not just individual expertise but a commitment to shared values, collaboration, and mutual accountability.