Do all CEOs follow the same dos and don’ts?
To uncover the truth, we interviewed four prominent CEOs to get their opinions on the five essential dos and don’ts for a CEO.

Here are their responses:
We interviewed Mr. Almas Marikkar, Director/CEO at Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon, where he has been instrumental in the growth and success of the company. Almas has collaborated with premier tea brands and has been recognized for promoting Ceylon Tea and the world’s first climate-positive teas. He has also worked with renowned brands like Almarai, Adidas, Renault, and IDJ Teeba, showcasing his expertise in the field.

We forwarded two questions and he answered them as follows.
1. How would you describe your overall sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in your position as CEO?
I find my role as CEO profoundly fulfilling. I am fortunate to have assembled a diverse team of seasoned veterans and dynamic Gen Z individuals. This blend drives our future success, allowing us to explore innovative strategies and set a clear vision for the company.

One of the most satisfying aspects of my role is facilitating an environment where younger team members can grow rapidly. Within 2 to 3 years, many have advanced from junior executives to GM and C-suite positions, shaping their futures within the company.

I am content in my role as CEO because it encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. From managing the business and navigating economic challenges to addressing global crises and adapting to changes in customer behaviour, our team’s resilience to both macro and market challenges was exemplified when we won the Tea Exporter of the Year SME award for FY 22/23 at the Presidential Export Awards recently.

Working at Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon with an iconic global brand like Ceylon Tea, the world’s first climate-positive tea company, provides an absolutely unique edge. Involvement in the entire value chain—from collaborating with our estates and manufacturing company (Bogawantalawa Tea Estates Company) to the tea export company (Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon)—adds depth and pride to my role, ensuring we maintain the highest standards and uphold our commitment to sustainability.

In addition to my role as CEO of Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon, I collaborate at the group level (MetroCorp) on multiple M&A advisory and end-to-end deal management in multi-billion-rupee ventures. These challenges and growth opportunities further enhance my satisfaction. Recognition by the Global CEO Forum as an emerging leader is a testament to our collective efforts and a significant motivator.

Overall, my role as CEO offers a blend of strategic, global, and innovative challenges, which I find incredibly exciting and enriching.

2. In your opinion, what are the five most critical dos and don’ts for a CEO?

DOs:

1. Set a Clear Vision: Articulate a compelling and strategic vision for the company to inspire and align the team.
2. Attract and Empower the Right Talent: Hire the right people and empower them to contribute freely, creatively, and effectively.
3. Develop and Grow Your Team: Invest in your team’s development and create more leaders.
4. Focus on Customer Satisfaction: Prioritize customer needs and ensure the company’s offerings meet and exceed their expectations.
5. Drive a Learning Culture that Fosters Teamwork and Innovation.

DON’Ts

1. Avoid Short-Term Thinking: Don’t overly focus on short-term goals, cycles, and obstacles. Even slowly, but surely, focus on long-term goals.
2. Fear of Failure: Don’t fear failures and setbacks. View them as opportunities for growth.
3. Disregard Feedback: Never ignore feedback from your team and customers; it is essential for continuous improvement.
4. Don’t take credit for your team members’ work; give 100% credit to your team.
5. Ignore Employee Well-Being: Don’t overlook the importance of employee well-being, and give due respect to their work-life balance.