And there's no school to teach them about how to shoulder this responsibility. Although leadership training courses are increasingly popular, CEOs must learn most of their lessons while in the corner office, as every shareholder, employee, and analyst watches. Research shows that almost half of all CEOs are replaced within five years. And the CEO is watched for more than just job performance, too. If one is a smoker, fellow board members suggest quitting.
Insurance premiums rise.
Stockholders and employees worry. Health concerns go deeper than this though, and for very good reason. If a CEO were to suddenly die or become incapacitated, the company would be left without its leader. With all eyes on the CEO at all times, one would imagine that vacations are a welcome breath of fresh air and privacy. Peter I. Bijur, chairman and CEO of Texaco, never takes more than a long weekend.