You probably started a business because you were good at doing ―something, and became what Michael Berger in ―The E-Myth calls the technician. As the business started to grow you became a manager with whatever title you chose to use. As a manager you most likely did a commendable job and the company continued to grow. As the organization took shape you became the top dog and thus the title of President or CEO was thrust upon you (likely by yourself).

Jack Welsh, former CEO of General Electric, said of leadership for CEOs: ―The ideal leader is courageous, strong and persistent, and wise—but what really separates him or her from the pack is passion and vision. It’s not enough to be a skilled administrator and world class manager; no, to be a true leader, you need the passion of your dreams and a vision for how to make them real. Passion and vision are transforming forces that will fail unless you fuse them into a powerful source for change.

So, if we accept what Jack said as a real prerequisite of good leadership, as the CEO of your business you must have or develop that passion and vision. If you started your business and built it to what it is today, I know you have the passion and most likely you also have a vision–a vision for what you want to do with the business and what you want to get from it. Consequently, you have the two prerequisites that Jack demands of CEOs; now you need to decide if you have the talent and if you want to be the CEO.

Your Primary Aim

In evaluating your desires and qualifications you must consider your primary aim in life. Your primary aim is the vision necessary to bring your business to life and your life to the business, understanding that the business should not be your entire life. (I say that the business should be a part of your life “apart” from your life).