Top 10 Questions an incoming CEO should ask – from McKinsey & Co.

CEO transition checklist

1. Have I reflected on the context of my transition—not just from my own perspective, but from that of all key stakeholders?

2. Have I established in my own mind the time frame and intended outcomes of my leadership transition?


3. Have I established my initial set of priorities with a full understanding of what others expect of me?

4. How will I control my agenda and allocate my time?

5. Have I developed a clear process and time frame for selecting my top team?

6. Have I committed sufficiently to building a relationship with my chairman and board?

7. Do I have a mechanism for building the necessary support office and infrastructure?

8. Have I thought through my communications plan internal and external?

9. Do I have a mechanism for getting balanced feedback and information?

10. Have I established appropriate personal ground rules?

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