ABSTRACT
This article examines the role of the CEO from two interwoven perspectives. The first view is personal, based upon my experiences as CEO of two organizations—a cash-poor publishing and consulting business, and the American Psychological Association—and as an organizational consultant, especially to CEOs. The second view is psychological, using two models of leadership behavior: Goleman’s concept of emotional intelligence, and the “big five” factors of personality description. An integration of these two models is attempted in order to describe the necessary characteristics of a successful CEO. Where possible, these issues are illuminated by the author’s personal experiences and views. The implications for psychologists assuming the position of CEO are also addressed.
