5 Unexpected Habits of CEOs Who Consistently Outperform Their Competitors
The success of a company is often closely tied to the habits and mindset of its leadership. While traditional leadership skills like strategic thinking, decision-making, and financial acumen are crucial, some CEOs consistently outperform their competitors by adopting non-traditional habits that might surprise you. These habits set them apart in ways that allow their businesses to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Here are five unexpected habits of CEOs who lead their companies to exceptional results.
1. Practicing Radical Transparency
In a world where transparency is often praised but rarely fully practiced, top CEOs push the boundaries by embracing radical transparency. This means sharing not only the successes but also sharing challenges, failures, and tough decisions with the entire company.
While most CEOs keep sensitive information within the C-suite, these leaders invite all levels of the company into the conversation. They openly discuss financials, strategic pivots, and even personal setbacks. This level of openness builds trust across the organization and empowers employees to take ownership of both the wins and the challenges. When everyone understands the full picture, they can align their efforts more effectively, leading to stronger performance.
2. Blocking “Thinking Time” on Their Calendar
While many CEOs are constantly in meetings or making decisions on the spot, the most successful ones know the value of taking a step back. They deliberately schedule "thinking time"—uninterrupted blocks in their calendar where they can reflect, brainstorm, or think strategically without distractions.
This practice allows CEOs to focus on the bigger picture, identify emerging opportunities, and assess the long-term direction of the company. It also fosters creativity, as stepping away from the daily grind often leads to breakthroughs. CEOs who prioritize thinking time don’t just react to problems—they anticipate them and proactively set new strategies.
3. Encouraging Opposing Opinions
One of the most powerful habits of high-performing CEOs is their willingness to encourage and actively seek out dissenting opinions. Instead of surrounding themselves with "yes people," these leaders create a culture where constructive disagreement is not just welcomed but expected.
They challenge their teams to question assumptions, poke holes in ideas, and push back when necessary. This habit forces everyone, including the CEO, to approach problems from multiple angles, leading to better decision-making. By fostering a culture of constructive dissent, they get different viewpoints, leading to stronger, more innovative solutions.
4. Spending Time with Customers (Not Just Clients)
Many CEOs focus on nurturing relationships with high-value clients and key stakeholders. While this is important, the best CEOs go one step further—they spend time with end customers. These leaders make it a point to interact directly with the people using their products or services.
Whether through customer service calls, surveys, or in-person visits, CEOs who engage directly with customers gain real insights into what’s working and what isn’t, helping them make better, customer-focused decisions. They understand firsthand what their audience loves, what frustrates them, and how their products fit into their customers’ lives. This real-world feedback helps CEOs make customer-centric decisions that set their companies apart from the competition.
5. Prioritizing Personal Well-being (and Encouraging It Company-Wide)
Top-performing CEOs know that their mental and physical health is crucial to their success. They invest time in activities that reduce stress, boost energy, and keep them mentally sharp—whether that’s through exercise, meditation, hobbies, or spending time with family.
But they don’t stop there. These CEOs also actively promote a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being. They implement policies that support work-life balance, offer wellness programs, and encourage employees to take time off to recharge. By leading by example, they create an environment where their teams are more energized, focused, and engaged. Companies with a strong well-being culture foster employee well-being, leading to more productive, happier teams.
The CEOs who consistently outperform their competitors do so by embracing unconventional habits that elevate both their leadership and their companies. Whether it’s practicing radical transparency, scheduling dedicated time for deep thinking, encouraging dissent, engaging with customers directly, or prioritizing personal well-being, these leaders break away from the norm. By adopting these habits, they foster trust, innovation, and resilience within their organizations—creating a winning formula for long-term success in a competitive world.
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