suppose to be Heros, corporate heros to their Shareholders; that's their job.

If you take on the position, you agree to rise above your own personal interests for the greater good of the company's owners; the Shareholders. In turn, it's those very owners who then shower the CEO with appreciation, personal wealth, reputation, and sometimes even fame.

A CEO is not a job for the faint of heart, it's not a desk job, it's not a bookeeping job, it's not a sit and wait job, it's a hands on get it done take no prisoners move mountains no excuses create success single mindedness of purpose responsibility; if you're not up to it, don't take it, or step down and get someone who will. Company owners are owed that; especially when the company's life span is so drastically short.

Thanks for the exchange, because this issue is in many ways at the core of our leadership problems.