The CEO’s 7 Laws of Leadership

By David Harding, Vistage Chair.

In today’s complex and uncertain business environment, leaders are being tested more than ever before. How we respond to that pressure, and how we lead through it, defines the future of our businesses and the people who rely on them.

At Vistage, we’ve coached over 100,000 CEOs across the globe for more than 60 years, giving us an unparalleled understanding of what successful leadership truly looks like. That knowledge has culminated in what we call The CEO’s 7 Laws of Leadership – fundamental principles that separate good leaders from great ones.

These aren’t abstract ideals. They are practical, proven behaviours that any CEO or senior leader can adopt to drive better decisions, build stronger organisations, and create long-term impact.

They include:

1. Reject shortcuts to growth

Great leaders pursue leadership excellence with the commitment of a world-class athlete. They know it’s a challenging, continuous journey that requires hard work and determined attention. They reject shortcuts and take ownership of their development. They bring rigor and grit, working hard to hone their expertise and committing their whole selves to continual improvement. They push themselves to learn more, grow further and lead better.

2. Carve out time to work on the business

Successful leaders routinely carve out time and space away from everyday business issues to reflect, acquire new knowledge and focus on strategy. This discipline allows them to gain the clarity they need to navigate the day-to-day challenges while keeping their company on course for long-term success. They fight the instinct to always be in “go” mode, forcing themselves to take time for thoughtful decisions.

Danielle Baldwin, Vistage Chair, said: “Stillness is a lost art and one that is critical to the success of a leader. To think critically about our business or our lives, stillness is imperative. It’s this time away that allows us to grow.”

3. Challenge your thinking with peer perspectives

Great leaders seek diverse perspectives on important decisions from trusted peers. They actively work to combat insular thinking and confirmation bias. They find other CEOs and business leaders who’ve tackled similar issues but in different industries. These peers understand the nuances and challenges of the role but bring fresh perspectives, unhampered by institutional knowledge. When a group of diverse leaders connect, this effect is amplified — especially if the forum is safe for open dialogue and candid feedback.

4. Stoke curiosity

World-class business leaders are high on curiosity and low on ego. They are inquisitive, welcome new ideas from trusted sources, and eager to explore. Vulnerability is viewed as an asset, and they are the first to admit they don’t have all the answers. They ask questions to seek input and pressure-test their assumptions, so they can come to the best decision for the business – not to prove their own point.

“What separates top CEOs from the rest is how much they question, probe, and then process what they are experiencing in order to look for insights and patterns.” – Adam Bryant ‘How to think like a CEO’, strategy+business.

5. Apply discipline to decision-making

High-performing leaders follow a disciplined approach to decision-making. They use a systematic process that takes into account their instincts; judgment based on experience and data; and perspectives from peers, mentors and employees. Applying this rigor helps them make more accurate decisions in less time …consistently.

6. Find a trusted guide

Successful leaders view a coach or mentor as a critical component to leadership excellence. They value a trusted guide who challenges their assumptions, identifies their blind spots, and holds them accountable. The most effective coaches and mentors approach the CEO as a whole person, not just the leader at the top of the organization’s hierarchy. Leaders who take a comprehensive approach to development that includes feedback from trusted peers, effective mentoring and insights from subject-matter experts continually outperform their competitors.

7. Rise by helping others – Leadership is legacy. Support your peers, and your impact multiplies.

Great leaders aren’t just focused on their own decisions. They help others critically think through their challenges. In the process, they fine-tune their own decision-making skills. By helping others make better decisions, a CEO or business owner also creates a positive impact on other companies and their communities. These high-integrity leaders leave a legacy that’s far-reaching and long-lasting.

As a Vistage Chair based here in Sussex, I work closely with business leaders who are committed to becoming the best version of themselves – not just for their companies, but for their teams, families, and communities.

In a region full of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and resilience, the opportunity for leadership excellence is immense, but only if we’re willing to do the work.

I invite you to reflect on these 7 laws. Which do you already embody? Which need attention? And most importantly — who’s challenging you to improve?

Because the truth is: no one gets to the top alone.

Interested in connecting with other local business leaders for structured support, challenge, and growth? Contact, David Harding:

david.harding@vistagechair.co.uk