In this piece I discuss some tips business leaders can
use for expected c-suite role.
Senior business leaders of organizations are expected to provide strategic directions for their
organizations. They engage more in strategic conversations on strategy
formulation, strategy implementation, and how strategy diffusion is taking
place in the organization.
Also,
importantly they try to understand the market and its structure and how the
organization is playing in the market. Senior leaders need to be seen as
strategic leaders, providing thought leadership, leading change and acting as
role models.
Senior
leaders should be able to demonstrate leadership effectiveness by linking
social perspectiveness and behavioural flexibility
(see Zaccaro, et al., 1991).
As business or finance leaders, if you are preparing for a C-Suite role, I suggest you take a closer look at some
of the tips below:
1.
Segregate your responsibilities into strategic and operational works. Delegate
the operational aspects to your team to implement while you focus more on the
strategic conversations and value propositions.
2.
It is important you build a strong team that other leaders will respect. Your
team needs to provide quality information and execute their work with speed.
3.
A relationship skill (peoples skill) is a critical skill needed at the top
level. Build a good relationship with: (i) Your team - their disaffection sips
to the top, (ii) Your peers, (iii) Your subordinates, (iv) Senior leaders, and
(v) Stakeholders.
4.
Take a closer look at your organizational structure, where you currently sit
and then envision your personal path to the C-suite level.
5.
Visibility is key - How visible are you technically - are you a thought leader?
How visible/available are you to help leaders with their ideas?
6.
Now let's look closer at the strategic angles of leadership - What is your
leadership style - does it align with the organizational culture? You have to
develop your own "authentic leadership" style.
7.
Understanding the market is key. It is a good way to demonstrate your potential
especially as you contribute at Senior Leadership meetings. How much do you
know about the market that your company operates in? Senior leaders discuss how
their companies will play in the market - how their companies create value for
the market - how revenue is made.
8.
Externalities - know the power blocs (have a power map), and the issues in the external
operating environment that may impact the business.
9.
Increase your personal effectiveness every day - how? Find a little time at the
end of every day's work - to reflect on what you achieved (strategic
accomplishments) and the challenges. Then plan for the next day...
10.
Finally, 3 key things that are important to know: (i) How your business makes
money - generates revenue, (ii) How your business incurs costs - the cost
structure... how to control costs and reduce costs, and (iii) How to make the
customers happy - exceptional customers experience.
What
tip(s) did you as business and finance leaders find helpful as you evolved into the C-Suite position? Senior Business Leaders, please share your thoughts!!!
This piece is
contributed by:
Leesi Gabriel
Gborogbosi
The author, Leesi Gabriel Gborogbosi, CEO of Gabriel
Domale Consulting, is experienced in finance and strategy with emphasis on
finance transformation, project finance, strategy implementation, performance
management, corporate governance, and collaboration.
To know more about
me, please visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leesigborogbosi/
