The CEOs Tool Kit

The TOP 45 Best CEO/Executive Tools
As Selected by Executives and Managers of 10,000 North American Companies


1. Key Customer-Impacting Jobs = Find the key jobs affecting customers, put the right people in
those jobs, and really support them. Then watch profits soar!

2. The "Right" Growth Rate = Every company has a "right" growth rate; pre-determine yours.

3. Big Audacious Goals = Results happen by reaching higher, not just by setting logical goals.

4. CEO's Monthly Letter = Get your message to everyone, building trust, teamwork and results.

5. One-Page Business Plan = Create the one-page plan to plug all employees into a common
direction. Your strategy will be pursued by an army of people!

6. 12-Month Company Calendar = Show future events to all employees, creating coordinated
teamwork; the results will astonish you!

7. Trailing 12-Month Charts = Sum of 12 prior months, charted for 3 years; especially %
gross margin.

8. Regular Recognition = Recognize people for performance on a regular, scheduled basis.

9. Quarterly Priorities Sharing = Encourage managers to share individual goals and then
help each other achieve them!

10. 1:1 with Direct Reports = Prescheduled individual uninterruptible weekly meetings keeps
your team on top through relationship-building and communication.

11. YCDBSOYB = Regularly injecting fun into business keeps it fresh, new, and interesting
(e.g., this riddle).

These CEO Tools were compiled by Kraig W. Kramers, a frequent speaker to management groups on rapid business
growth, acquisitions and business strategy. Please apply these tools in your business! For more information feel
free to call Kraig at (770) 389-8511. (The riddle? YCDBSOYB = You Can't Do Business Sitting on Your Butt!)









Kraig W. Kramers
Corporate Partners Inc.
159 Glen Eagle Way
McDonough, GA 30253
kwker@mindspring.com


Best CEO/Executive Tools
(continued)


12. Goal Writer 101A = Teach "Verb-Noun-Date" to write a goal; simplest example is "Do It Now!"
13. Personal Hot Button = Your key player won't buy it for himself; match it to achieving a key goal.
14. Personal Notes Home = Send individual cheerleading and congratulating notes to maximize results.
15. Celebrate Successes = Report against key goals and regularly celebrate achievement.

16. Focus on Winners = Publicly cheer and celebrate the winners; say nothing about the laggards.
17. How CEOs Spend Time = Hit homeruns with people; spend time on customers/ strategy/tracking.
18. People's BEST Jobs = Identify key people's best jobs and design your organization around them.
19. Monthly Re-Forecasting = Track actual vs. budget; re-forecast next 3 months and act to fill gaps.
20. Backlog Tracker = Build profits by tracking shortfalls in future backlog, then filling the gaps.

21. CEO's Business Cardinals = Your written "business values" will focus your team and attract winners.
22. 7-Step CEO Process = This iterative process will complete the loop in your management system.
23. Recognition Buck$ = Employees recognize each other for positive actions; extends recognition.
24. 35 Executive Success Traits = Use these traits to grow yourself, your team, and to place winners.
25. {Q1 = $1.00} = Use symbolism to communicate (e.g., $1 bill, $ formulas, customer brochures).

26. The Choice Grid = Use this format to assure selection against criteria, not emotion.
27. Executive Development Planner = Easy tool for leaping growth of individual managers.
28. Monthly Operations Report = CEO's personal report card, builds track-record & results.
29. Feed the Effort! = Volunteer your personal support to each person's effort to beat goal.
30. Client Calendar = Really focus your efforts on the customer with this Client version.

31. Lawnmowers vs. Beautiful Lawns = Be sure you know what your business really sells!
32. Communication & Trust = Understand the need to work on both to raise performance.
33. Trade Price for Volume = This can work great if done carefully and selectively.
34. Timing is Everything! = All things go in cycles, so study your industry's & company's cycles.
35. Taking It to the Street = Find every excuse to reiterate goals and direction.

36. Management Cycle = Plan, Lead, Organize & Measure: Work the management cycle.
37. Top 5 Goals = Develop very specific short-term & long-term team goals.
38. Give Customers Profit Information = Give regular information to improve your customers' business.
39. Simple Business Plan Outline = 75% of companies have no plan yet believe they should!
40. Communicate Bigger = Consistency and repetitiveness will dramatically enhance effectiveness.

41. Best Business Philosophy = Monitor details, Measure results, Manage process, and Lead people.
42. Price+Mix+Volume Formula = Tweak these to maximize market share & drive competitors crazy!
43. Daily Cash Report & Re-Forecast = The most important tool for any CEO!
44. Plan Your Exit Way in Advance = It typically takes 3 years to do an exit or company sale right,
so get ready now!
45. Vistage/TEC Membership & Speaking = The best gifts you can give yourself -- try both!

These CEO Tools were assembled by Kraig W. Kramers, a frequently requested speaker on rapid business growth, acquisitions and business strategy. Please apply these tools in your business! For more information, give Kraig a call at (770) 389-8511.

Top45 KWK 3-30-04 Copyright © 1996-2004 Corporate Partners Inc. All Rights Reserved. CEO Tools BOOK 1-800-247-6553