Some CEOs run the business, some businesses run the CEO!

Much like in war, the capabilities of a CEO getting tested and strengthened depends on the intensity and diversity of the opponents and the encounters. The tougher the terrain, the more unconventional the opponents, the stronger the CEO becomes. The tougher the climate within the ranks (in the organisation), the more ‘real’ the CEO gets.

By contrast, if it is a ‘ceremonial army’ where all the instructions comes from ‘above’ and those ‘below’ are faithful followers,  chances are you will end up with a ceremonial CEO!