CEOs Need Mentors too: Research Reveals the Type of Advice top Executives Require and How they Get it

Chief executive officers can benefit from mentoring, but given their high-tier positions, acquiring a mentor with sufficient experience from inside the company can be difficult. A new phenomenon is emerging in which CEOs obtain needed mentoring from veteran leaders outside the company. These leaders have worked in similar roles as the CEOs they are assisting, and so have the knowledge and skill sets relevant to the position. Setting up a good match between mentor and CEO is critical, so that the advice and guidance provided are relevant and appropriate. Clearly established rules of engagement that promote confidentiality and a commitment to regular meetings are also important. Trust enables the mentor to share not just successes but also failures, enabling CEOs to learn from but avoid poor decision making.