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Assess Your CEO’s Strategic Fit Over Time

Harvard Business Review

Ballmer had done his job, but the strategic needs of the organization had shifted. As CEO fit decreased, Ballmer’s performance followed and he was pressured out of the job in late 2013. Nardelli’s background and personality were a perfect fit for that challenge and he delivered some of the company’s most profitable years.

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How Microsoft Avoided the Peter Principle with Nadella

Harvard Business Review

Or consider managed-health care provider Humana’s decision in 2013 to recruit an outsider as its next chief executive. When George Buckley served as CEO for innovative manufacturer 3M, he actively encouraged rising stars at the company to serve on outside boards, join quarterly analyst calls, and work directly with the media.

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