With there being a lot fewer executive positions than mid-level management roles, the road to executive leadership is highly competitive. Therefore, it’s abundantly more difficult to climb to this next rung of the corporate ladder.
However, with the right attitude, work ethic and connections, you can prove your value and earn that coveted executive title and responsibility.
Understand And Embody ‘Executive Presence’
It seems as though the concept and practices of executive presence have tremendously increased in value over the years. Last week we dove deep into what EP really is and found that, at the roots, executive presence is the powerful ability to inspire confidence.
Executive presence includes first impressions of appearance, interpersonal communication skills, and body language. EP consists of effective listening, effectively maneuvering through office politics and exuding authentic charisma.
Technical skills might have landed the job, but an executive presence moves a manager up.
Develop Your Strategic Thinking Skills
Lower levels of leadership focus on the day-to-day execution of the strategy. Executive levels focus on developing a broader view of the organization.
The development of strategic thinking allows you to become aware of the big picture. Develop more skills in seeing the interconnections between the operating systems and long game strategy. Lean into thinking more strategically and from a systems perspective.
Maximize your Influence.
Given that great leadership is about influence, and not authority, you have to learn how to maximize your influence. Your ability to influence others is impacted by how you are perceived. Therefore, you have to figure out how to increase the perception of your value. The single best way to do that is to solve important problems for influential executives.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone – Network with the Entire Team
To lead at the executive level requires comfort outside of usual routines. It’s relatively easy to limit our office interactions to those inside our sphere of expertise, however, to build confidence as a leader you’ll want to connect with the entire team. Start expanding your tribe outside your core area.
Network with people from different parts of your organization in order to learn different business functions or program areas.
Build your reputation outside your comfort zone. This way if/when opportunities open for advancement, decision-makers already know your name, and know it well.
Work With A Leadership Development Coach
As professional athletes know well, a trusted coach can soften the learning curve dramatically. A coach will guide you to clearly see your strengths, blind spots, and competencies. They will also show you how to identify the people and roles that will enable you to thrive.
Some coaches are focused on skill development, others are sounding boards. Find a coach who can do both and make the investment.
Build Self-Awareness For Growth
This is a big one. It can also be the toughest one to chew on. Building greater self-awareness about one’s leadership presence and effectiveness is a key piece to preparing for an executive-level position. If possible, participate in a 360-degree feedback process.
This process can uncover your leadership strengths to build upon, as well as, identify others’ perceptions of your efficacy. Disparities included.
Be Clear in Your Goals.
If you have a clear goal for your career, let it be known. Ask your immediate supervisor to craft a skill plan for you on exactly what you need to do to get to the level you want. Then start executing. It will take a combination of building relationships, professional training, results you’ve achieved, and lots and lots of emotional intelligence. If you really are in it for the long haul, let it be known.
Develop Executive Courage
It’s usually the tough decisions that move the needle. Therefore, executive courage around action, communication and trust is a critical leadership skill. Like any muscle, the more you flex it, the stronger it becomes. You cultivate executive courage by trying new strategies (even if some fail), engaging in crucial conversations and confronting challenging situations that trigger discomfort.
Manage Up
Managing up is a common challenge for emerging leaders. It’s important to manage your own boss, as well as extended relationships with your boss’ boss, board members, C-level executives, etc. These relationships directly correlate with the level of influence you have. Knowing what to communicate, when and with whom, will increase the visibility of your impact as a leader.
Think About What The Company Needs
The end result, on the road to executive leadership, you want to build your business acumen. By showing you can make good judgments and quick decisions, you show preparedness toward the next step in career growth.
An executive is accountable at a whole new level. If a manager wants to move up, they need to think about what the company needs. Have the team you manage to be outstanding. Be known as someone who helps other people succeed. Be someone whose word is impeccable.