Viewed in Russell Reynolds
The role of the COO has evolved into a more strategic position, making it a top contender for the CEO spot. This shift is driven by the digital landscape and sustainability expectations.
Russell Reynolds Associates conducted a study on nearly a thousand COOs using Hogan psychometric tests, revealing some crucial insights.
Pragmatism, collaboration, drive, and service-orientation
Six common traits were identified among COOs: pragmatism, collaboration, learning, drive, creativity, and service-orientation.
These traits outline a versatile leadership profile that can adapt to different organizational needs. The study also highlighted differences between European and North American COOs, shedding light on their preferences and motivations.
Interestingly, a significant number of Fortune 250 CEOs have previously held the COO position, indicating its importance as a stepping stone to the top role.
Behavioral disparities between COOs and CEOs
By comparing COOs and CEOs through psychometric assessments, nuanced differences were discovered. CEOs tend to be more inclined towards risk-taking, dominance, sharing ideas prematurely, and a preference for creative environments.
Understanding these differences is crucial for grooming COOs for future CEO positions.
Recruiting, Retention and Succession
It can guide talent development, succession planning, and recruitment strategies. Recognizing common COO characteristics aids in recruitment and retention efforts, while acknowledging regional disparities informs global talent mobility decisions.
Behavioral disparities between COOs and CEOs, especially in high-pressure scenarios, should be considered in succession planning and leadership development.
To ensure robust CEO succession planning, it is vital to invest in external assessments for internal leadership evaluation. By improving the assessment process, organizations can uncover hidden leadership potential, enhance diversity, and ultimately boost organizational performance.
Take-away
The COO role’s redefined significance requires a thorough understanding of its traits, regional variations, and distinctions from the CEO role. This understanding provides a roadmap for effective talent development, succession planning, and organizational growth.
