Leadership Skills Every Emerging ABA CEO Should Develop

Written By Nandi Nelson

You don’t become a leader just because your title changes. Leadership is a set of skills that you can learn, practice, and strengthen over time.

If you’re a clinician stepping into the CEO role, these are the core leadership skills worth developing early.

1. Clear Decision-Making

As a CEO, your decisions guide:

  • services

  • hiring

  • partnerships

  • systems

  • culture

You won’t always have perfect information. But you can develop a process:

  • Clarify the problem

  • Look at the data available

  • Consider the impact on clients, staff, and the business

  • Make the best aligned decision you can

  • Be willing to adjust if needed

The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel.

2. Communication That Builds Trust

Communication isn’t just about giving information — it’s about building trust.

As a leader, focus on:

  • being clear and direct

  • sharing expectations upfront

  • explaining the “why” when appropriate

  • owning mistakes

  • listening actively

People feel safer when they know what to expect from you.

3. Systems Thinking

Leadership is not about solving the same problem over and over. It’s about asking:

“What system can we put in place so this is less likely to happen again?”

Systems thinking helps you:

  • step back from crisis mode

  • see patterns

  • design solutions that last

  • reduce stress for everyone

It’s one of the most powerful skills you can develop as a CEO.

4. Emotional Regulation

Your team will look to you during stressful moments. If you’re constantly overwhelmed, reactive, or shut down, it affects the whole environment.

Emotional regulation doesn’t mean you never feel stressed. It means you:

  • Notice your internal state

  • Choose your responses with intention

  • Take breaks when needed

  • Seek support when necessary

A regulated leader creates a more stable culture.

5. Coaching and Developing Others

As a CEO, part of your role is to develop the people around you.

This might look like:

  • giving meaningful feedback

  • asking thoughtful questions instead of providing all the answers

  • helping staff set goals

  • recognizing strengths

  • supporting growth

You’re not just managing tasks — you’re growing people.

6. Staying Grounded in Your Values

There will be moments when it feels easier to cut corners, rush, or make decisions out of fear.

Having clear values around:

  • ethics

  • quality

  • equity

  • alignment

  • sustainability

…helps you lead consistently, even when things are hard.

You do not have to be a “perfect” leader to be an effective one.

If you are willing to be self-aware, learn, and grow, you already have what you need to become the CEO your ABA practice requires.

Nandi Nelson