Being an effective leader and CEO is both challenging and rewarding. The true measure of success is found in the longevity of your team and company, but it is also reflected in the way each team member feels valued and respected. Working in the Life Sciences industry requires empathy and understanding, the foundation of which is rooted in transparent discussion. I value collaborative governance and the input of those around me, as diverse and knowledgeable insights have been the guiding light for PQE Group’s sustainable achievements and innovations. However, one of the most nuanced aspects of being a CEO is learning to balance open discussion with decisive action.
Navigating this dichotomy has been a significant factor in shaping my leadership journey. Our team recently underwent an organizational restructuring across all of our global offices, which required effective and comprehensive open discussions to ensure that everyone understood the mission, its relevance, and where each employee fit into it all. Adopting a collaborative governance model has significant benefits, including fostering creative solutions and improved business outcomes. Diversity is our team’s superpower, and soliciting many perspectives drives creativity and effective problem-solving. Taking a collaborative approach also enhances employee engagement and satisfaction, attracting and retaining top talent that helps cultivate the future of the company.
By leveraging the collective intelligence of the team, businesses can achieve greater success and adaptability in evolving market landscapes. While this methodology is crucial to PQE Group’s sustainability as an international enterprise, considering the perspectives of employees, partners, and clients is something I hold to the highest value, so making the final decisions rests on my shoulders. Making final decisions can carry a heavy weight and unique psychological and emotional impacts.
When it is my sole responsibility for the company’s direction and success, it often leads to significant stress and pressure. The key to keeping your head above water and effectively performing your role is to recognize that you cannot please everyone, but you can always keep people’s best interests at heart. One of my favorite aspects of our PQE Group team is that we never put profits over people. We are a compassionate and forward-thinking group of individuals who work to “be the change” we wish to see in the world every day. With this motto in mind, I analyze and consider every possible approach, process, and angle before I make drastic decisions that can alter the shape of the business, the livelihood of employees, the satisfaction of stakeholders, and the overall market position of the company. This level of accountability requires resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to remain composed under pressure, highlighting the profound personal and professional challenges inherent in the role.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to effective decision-making. Still, luckily, there are effective strategies leaders can adopt to position themselves, their team, and their businesses for success. Some of the techniques to balance collaborative input with decisive action include:
- Recommend: Designate individuals to gather information and propose solutions.
- Agree: Identify key stakeholders who must agree with the recommendation.
- Perform: Assign responsible parties to implement the decision.
- Input: Consult experts to provide input on the recommendation.
- Decide: The CEO or designated leader makes the final decision.
- Clear Communication: Never underestimate the power of open discussions while clearly defining decision-making authority. This ensures everyone understands their role in the process.
- Transparent Processes: Implement transparent decision-making processes to build trust and create an environment where all voices are heard before making the final call.
- Regular Feedback: Establish regular feedback loops to evaluate the effectiveness of decisions and adapt as needed. This is especially crucial for businesses with international reach, like PQE Group.
While the life of a CEO can sometimes feel intimidating, implementing strategies that work best for your leadership style and the team can harness collaborative input while maintaining the ability to make timely and effective decisions. There is no substitute for the great work that happens when intelligent and ambitious people work together. Channel the individual strengths of your team members into the company’s greater mission, and don’t be afraid to make tough calls that will improve and benefit the organization as a whole.
