Chip Conley posed five questions he would ask an older CEO to determine if they still have the capacity to be effective.This would also be a great exercise for midlifers. Answering thes questions might give them a vision of “Learning to Love Midlife,” the title of his newest book.
I added to the explanations. See is you can answer these questions as CEO of your own life or as "Chief Elder Officer" of an organization with which you work or volunteer:
What’s been your biggest lesson in the past year, and how will it change your leadership or strategy moving forward? This is evidence of a growth mindset and ability to apply lessons. You don’t need to have all the answers now, but at least you are moving forward.
When it comes to your leadership, what has improved and what’s gotten worse over time? This shows whether you are self-aware and a leader of yourself.
What are you most excited about for the company [organization or your own life] in the next 5-10 years? This shows a future orientation (not being stuck in the past).
What hobbies or activities do you most enjoy when you’re not working? This shows you have some balance in your life such that you’re not clinging to your CEO identity as a life preserver and a fear of being a PIP (a Previously Important Person). This includes not hanging onto your role as breadwinner or parent. Your hobbies or activities can change over time.
Who is best suited to succeed you in the future, and what are you doing to mentor them? If it requires a search outside the organization, what are you doing to seek them out? This shows they can “get real” about what’s good for the organization in the long term.