Whether or not the dismissal of ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie is justified, the fallout and general outbursts from ABC staff, board members and the broader media community have given a real insight into the expectations employees and society at large have of modern day business leaders.

At Executive Agents we get clients coming to us every week asking us to “make me a CEO”. Many have highly distinguished careers with a consistent track record of exceeding expectations and/or growing revenue, matched with an appropriate chronology of promotions.

For someone sitting at director or general manager level, this track record may be entirely adequate to get to such a level.

What the whole ABC saga really highlights is the broader and more fundamental attributes and level of influence demanded of business leaders by modern society.

Some of the quotes made about her tenure:

“Failed to convince the government and the public that the project is worthwhile”

“Was not comfortable having a public profile or facing the media”

“You can’t have a three-year pitched battle with the government over a decision that was already decided” a person familiar with the dispute said.

Before you ask to be CEO, ask yourself how many battles have you fought against a federal government and won?

How many instances can you cite of being a champion for the interests of your company or more importantly your entire industry?

“She would not take on her role as a champion for this organisation. It’s an astonishing fail on her part,” said ABCradio’s flagship Melbourne presenter, Jon Faine, on air.

Have you got a track record of bringing together the interests of employees, shareholders, and the public all to the benefit of your company?

Being a business leader such as a CEO demands a significantly higher level of boldness, strength of character and resolve than just any senior manager.

Before you ask to be CEO, ask yourself, do I have what Guthrie did not?

Executive Agents specialises in developing the pathways necessary for senior leaders to elevate their careers to even higher and at times seemingly unattainable levels. Request a free consultation with one of our agents today.