As we approach goal setting and planning for the new year, The Raffoni Group team asks CEO members hard, somewhat personal questions we think few people ask. Asking the tough questions and answering them honestly takes maturity. You ready?

Ask These 12 Questions:

1. How do you want next year to look different for you and for your company?
2. Are you happy with how you are spending your time, both at work and personally?
3. How is your health?
4. How is your family coping with the demands put on you as CEO? If negative, what are you doing to address their concerns?
5. What was the biggest mistake you made this year?
6. What is your biggest weakness as CEO?
7. How much personal compensation did you take home this year and are you happy with that?
8. Do you like having investors? Would you do it differently next time?
9. Is there someone you need to fire?
10. Is there someone you need to hire to compensate for your weaknesses?
11. Do you like being a CEO?
12. What do you want to do next?

Just today, a CEO of a 300+ million dollar company told me that the CEO Collective has been invaluable, as there is no other forum where he can share and get input on these topics. These comments remind me of how lucky I am to have this job and how much I enjoy what I do. We are privileged to have these conversations with our members.

In my conversations with hundreds of CEOs like you during the past 20 years, questions like the ones above have uncovered some anxiety points that they are generally hesitant to admit. My goal is not to “expose” anyone, but to shed light on the fact that you have a hard job with many demands, externally and internally. You are naturally driven and as a result, take on superhero level responsibilities. You are a leader who holds your head up high, puts your worries in your pocket and charges full speed ahead with what appears to be grace and ease. But, the truth is, you are often carrying a heavy load.  

If you feel you are doing everything in your business, then you’ve got the wrong team. If you make excuses for not exercising or eating well, your priorities are wrong. If your family is begging for your attention, give it to them. Use the questions above to hold up the mirror and change some things for the new year. Life is short and one thing CEOs are good at is driving change. Make sure you are driving change in your own life to make it all you want to be.

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