In my dual role at CorTalent, I lead the talent consulting practice, and I’m an executive recruiter. My primary clients are business owners and chief executives. Because I spend significant time interviewing them and learning what’s important to company officers, I see firsthand what qualifications they expect their senior executives to bring to their roles. In this article, I share insights into these qualifications.
Broad Success: Have you demonstrated the ability to be successful in multiple environments, under different circumstances, using a wide range of strategies and tactics? Leaders with broad success often seek varied and distinct experiences, enabling an appreciation to gauge and meet the unique needs of a situation.
Leadership Vision: What is your leadership vision? What kind of leader do you want to be? What values and principles will guide your decisions? Before embarking on your journey as a senior executive, reflect on your personal and professional goals and develop a clear vision of the impact you want to make.
Positive Trends: Do you have an established track record of successes? The best leaders have multiple success stories of how they solved a problem, approaches they used with their teams, and positive results to showcase.
Strategy: Do you think strategically and see the big picture? That ability is paramount for senior executives who must analyze complex situations, identify potential risks and opportunities, and formulate innovative solutions. Cultivate a forward-thinking mindset that anticipates future challenges and devises proactive strategies to address them effectively.
Execution: Do you demonstrate the ability to think critically and formulate long-term strategies while also successfully implementing initiatives and driving organizational growth?
While senior executive roles may lean more towards strategy, driving execution is equally important.
Relationship-Building: Do you build relationships at all levels and mobilize individuals and teams to gain support for your initiatives? Senior executive roles require strong relationships, both within and outside the organization. Invest time in building a strong network of professional contacts, industry experts, and mentors. Attend conferences, industry events, and networking opportunities to expand your circle. Nurture relationships with colleagues, peers, and subordinates, as they will help execute your vision.
Strong Business Acumen: Do you have solid business acumen and an ability to anticipate challenges and make strategic choices that drive organizational success? Executive leaders must stay on top of industry trends, economic factors, and shifting competitive dynamics. They must identify emerging opportunities and risks and make informed decisions based on data and market insights.
Influence: Do you inspire and motivate people without using force? Do you positively affect others and the organization without exerting the power of position? Your ability to inspire, inform, and influence peers and leaders by adding value and bringing the best out in those around you is critical to your executive leader role.
Resilience and Adaptability: Can you successfully demonstrate the capacity to pivot, innovate, and navigate uncertainty with confidence and perseverance? Executive roles hold all the responsibility and get little glory. The work entails managing ambiguity, handling high-pressure situations, and adapting to changing circumstances. Executive leaders must remain composed during challenging times, bounce back from setbacks, and lead resiliently.
Continuous Learning: In a rapidly evolving business landscape, a senior executive must be a lifelong learner. Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Seek feedback and constructive criticism to continually refine your skills. Invest in executive education programs, leadership courses, or coaching sessions to enhance your competencies. Engaging in continuous learning will enhance your professional growth and inspire and motivate your teams.
Risk-Taking: Are you comfortable with a certain amount of risk-taking? Being a senior executive involves making decisions where the potential paths are many, the situation ambiguous, and the outcome uncertain. In fact, the process of becoming an executive involves risk-taking. There are many paths to accomplish this goal, each involving a certain amount of risk. Consider how much risk you’re willing to take on and use this as a litmus test for your future role.
