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Balancing Life's Demands

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The Traditional Definition of CEO and COO Roles

The Andringa Group | posted 11/02/2007
This article provided by the Engstrom Institute

Leaders who are clear on their role in relation to the organization, its employees, and those outside the organization are better able to make decisions and lead with confidence than those that aren't. Larger ministries often chose a management structure with a CEO or President and a clear number two executive, often called the COO or Executive Vice President. Whatever the title, both leaders need to have a clear job description that the board, staff, and other stakeholders understand. While each job description will be unique based on the personality and gifts of the leader, the chart below, which outlines the traditional roles of and distinctions between the CEO and COO, may spark useful dialogue.

(With appreciation to Warren Bennis' writing for several of the ideas above)

Questions worth discussing or considering:

1. Are there roles on this list that you do not agree with? Why?

2. Does a CEO—COO structure make sense for your organization?

3. How could the CEO's role be better shaped ...

See also:

 CEOs, COO, corporate structure, job description