There are many qualities that individuals must develop in order to get a C-level job position. Perhaps the three most important are: leadership, power of negotiation and results orientation. Today, many companies need proactive executives with a great vision for business, able to solve any type of problem quickly and efficiently, always adapting to the new demands of the market.
But before discussing the necessary competencies required of top executives by businesses in our days, it is indispensable to also understand modern tendencies in relation to globalization, climate changes, demographics, and the increasingly individualist and digital lifestyle that affect market and business directly. With this understanding candidates to higher level positions in companies can be up to date with what is going on and have a sense of the role they want to play in order to define more accurately the competencies they need to be able to thrive in the business world and work a professional career that can yield tangible and satisfactory results. Consequently, getting to the top of an organization requires a lot of sacrifice and hard work. If you are looking for a c-level position, keep in mind the following characteristics that companies are looking for in high level executives:
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills, Holistic Approach
Modern high-level executives need to develop the ability of identifying patterns or connections between situations that are not evident and understand underlying issues in variable conditions. They must also be skilled in applying complex concepts and working with changing data, interpret and create new concepts.
Flexibility
This relates to the ability of working in environments which might be unpredictable and adapt to circumstances and challenges. Some practical examples might include getting involved in innovative projects embracing market opportunities and seeking strategic alliances, as well as taking risks in the search for greater productivity, revolutionizing operational procedures, work schemes and methodologies, among many other actions. In a world that is so changing, individuals who are able to react quickly and strategically to what is going on are needed. They can break with old-fashioned, inefficient schemes that instead of fostering success hinder the company’s development.
Leadership for Teams through Digital Contexts
Proving leadership for teams in digital contexts is a skill that is growing stronger nowadays because of the dynamic nature of these teams that are becoming increasingly multifunctional and require collaboration, interactivity and connection. They may even be in different locations or belong to different companies that have been associated with certain purposes.
Additionally, the computer revolution has introduced new work schemes where teleworking represents new challenges for leaders who must find the way to engage people and get them involved in the company’s vision and its specific outcomes, without having the staff many times physically in the same office.
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Social Commitment and Integrity
Integrity can be defined as doing what is right even when no one is supervising. It is the consistency between what is said and what is actually done. Under this premise, it is evident the challenge that a top executive has to face. There are countless cases of individuals who are self-proclaimed “most honest executives” and companies that use the motto of social responsibility without necessarily giving real evidences of a true commitment.
A testimony of a socially committed executive and company can be seen, for instance, in the respect they show for the environment and society; all of these are aspects that have become very relevant in our time, and that surely will gain even more strength. Executives have to cultivate a greater social awareness, and assume from their influential position responsibility in topics such as: energy consumption, efficient use of resources like water, energy and waste, so the supply thereof can be maintained. This sort of commitment is greatly beneficial for the company and for society. It also strengthens the image of the organization as a socially responsible entity.
On the other hand, social responsibility has to be evident within the company as well, through the implementation of measures which encourage respect for the employees, programs for their well-being and policies that foster justice and equity among the working staff. These actions, among others, give account of the interest influential executives and the company have for their people and help improve the working environment and conditions, which will also be reflected in greater satisfaction and commitment from employees.
There are even more characteristics that can be added to the list of traits looked for in top executives. As for now, identify your strengths and improve those traits that need some tuning up. Review the suggestions mentioned before and you will have great insight to aim for a c-level position.
If you want to read the last article by Jason Hanold entitled “Learn the best strategies to sell an idea to c-level executives” click here.