There’s no getting around it: executive assimilation is hard. Based on current statistics, a new executive has a coin flip’s chance of working out. But success is much more likely if you don’t make this mistake.

The CEO seat is coveted by many and occupied by very few. Like many things, the idea of being a CEO may be better in theory than it is in reality.

Here are the things that make being the CEO especially challenging, along with advice to help it become deeply rewarding.