10 Things Not to Do as a CEO

Being a CEO means steering the ship — but steer it wrong, and you’re the iceberg. Whether you’re leading a startup or a multinational giant, here’s what not to do if you want to keep the business afloat (and your team on board).

1. Don’t Micromanage

   If you hire smart people, let them do their jobs.

2. Don’t Ignore Feedback

   Your team sees the cracks before you do.

3. Don’t Overpromise to Investors

   Nothing sinks trust faster than missed targets.

4. Don’t Forget the Frontline

   The best insights often come from those closest to the customer.

5. Don’t Avoid Tough Decisions

   Problems don’t disappear when you ignore them.

6. Don’t Surround Yourself with Yes-Men

   Disagreement can be healthy; groupthink is not.

7. Don’t Neglect Company Culture

   A toxic culture will kill productivity faster than a bad quarter.

8. Don’t Put Profit Over People

   Short-term gains can cause long-term damage.

9. Don’t Stop Learning

   Markets change; so should you.

10. Don’t Forget to Lead by Example

    Your actions set the tone for the entire organization.

Final Thought:

A great CEO doesn’t just manage — they inspire, empower, and take responsibility when things go wrong. That’s the kind of leadership people follow willingly.