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We often admire CEOs for their big decisions, bold visions, and billion-dollar outcomes. But underneath those headlines are simple, daily CEO habits that guide how they lead, solve problems, and stay focused.
The truth? These habits aren’t reserved for executives. They’re patterns of thinking and behavior that anyone can apply—to their careers, side hustles, or even personal growth.
Below are seven real-world habits used by top CEOs—paired with clear, actionable ways you can use them to make smarter choices, stay consistent, and grow faster in your own life.
Lead With Authenticity and Empathy
What Satya Nadella (Microsoft) Does: When Satya took over at Microsoft, he prioritized listening, emotional intelligence, and a more human leadership style. It changed the entire culture of the company.
How You Can Apply It: Whether you’re managing a team or just trying to build better relationships, lead with empathy—a trait often found in effective CEO habits. Ask how others are doing—then actually listen. Be honest when you don’t know something. People trust those who are real, not those who try to be perfect.
Takeaway for Life: Be the person who listens well, communicates honestly, and treats others with respect. Empathy is your secret advantage.
Focus on Adding Value First
What Dan Schulman (PayPal) Does: Dan believes in giving more than you take. He celebrates teams, shares credit, and creates value before expecting returns.
How You Can Apply It: Before asking for a job, a favor, or a sale—offer something first. Share a useful idea. Introduce someone. Offer encouragement. People remember those who help without expecting anything back.
Takeaway for Life: Don’t keep score. The more you give, the more people want to work with you, support you, and lift you up when you need it.
Communicate With Clarity and Consistency
What Tony Hsieh (Zappos) Did: Tony built Zappos by over-communicating his company’s values. Whether it was an email or a handshake, his message was always clear, kind, and rooted in purpose.
How You Can Apply It: Want fewer misunderstandings? Be clearer. One of the most overlooked CEO habits is over-communicating with simplicity. Whether it’s an email, a text, or a pitch—ask yourself, “Could this be simpler? More direct?” And when you say you’ll do something, follow through.
Takeaway for Life: Clarity builds trust. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and follow through.
Stay Plugged Into Your Ecosystem
What Sundar Pichai (Google) Does: Sundar stays deeply engaged in tech trends, regulation, and company culture. He doesn’t lead from a bubble.
How You Can Apply It: You don’t need to run a tech giant to stay informed. Subscribe to newsletters in your field. Attend events. Follow smart people on LinkedIn or X. Staying plugged in helps you stay relevant—and spot opportunities before others do.
Takeaway for Life: Growth comes from awareness. Stay connected to the conversations happening in your world.
Set Goals—and Back Them With a System
What Chris Nassetta (Hilton) Does: Chris turned Hilton around with clear, measurable goals and a framework to get there. He didn’t just dream—he operationalized it.
How You Can Apply It: Want to level up in your career or build a side hustle? Write down your goals. Break them into steps. Block time on your calendar. Track progress weekly. Goals without systems are just wishes.
Takeaway for Life: Dream big—but build a plan that supports your ambition, one step at a time.
Learn Like It’s Your Job
What Tim Cook (Apple) Does: Despite running the most valuable company in the world, Tim is constantly reading, asking questions, and evolving.
How You Can Apply It: Commit to lifelong learning. One of the most powerful CEO habits is staying curious—reading one article a day, watching videos outside your comfort zone, and regularly asking for feedback. People who keep learning adapt faster, grow stronger, and stay sharp—even in uncertain times.
Takeaway for Life: The moment you stop learning is the moment you start falling behind. Stay curious.
Protect Your Time and Energy
What Shizu Okusa (Apothékary) Does: Shizu built her brand by focusing on high-leverage tasks—and saying no to everything else. She delegates, automates, and prioritizes the few things that drive growth.
How You Can Apply It: You don’t need to be a founder to take control of your time. Audit your day. What’s draining you? What moves you forward? Drop or delegate low-impact work. Create space for what matters—deep work, relationships, rest.
Takeaway for Life: Say no more often. Your time is your most valuable currency—spend it with intention.
Final Thoughts: CEOs Aren’t Superhuman—They’re Just Intentional
These habits may have helped build billion-dollar companies—but they’re grounded in simple, daily actions:
- Communicate clearly
- Prioritize your time
- Stay curious
- Give before you ask
- Lead with empathy
You don’t need a fancy title or team to start using CEO habits. You just need the intention to lead your life the way top CEOs lead their companies: with focus, values, and long-term vision.
Start with one habit this week. Apply it consistently. Watch what changes.
