Five Guidelines for a Fruitful Executive Career
It’s normal for people to question, “What does he/she have that I don’t?” when seeing successful company executives. Alternatively, “How did they do it?” Many of us believe that powerful individuals, such as the president of J.P. Morgan Chase or the CEO of General Motors, have a unique skill or aptitude that “regular” people just lack. In actuality, though, everyone of them began somewhere and gained the abilities, know-how, and experience necessary to get to where they are now. In light of this, the following strategies and advice can help you have a prosperous executive career:
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1. Establish a personal plan
Successful business leaders understand the importance of a personal plan. This implies that they create a plan for their career that will help them advance up the corporate ladder and identify methods to set themselves apart from other professionals. The first step in developing a successful executive career is defining your objectives and formulating a sound career plan.
“No matter how big or small the task is, you will be recognized and rewarded if you can perform it even slightly better than expected.” — Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of DreamWorks
“You have to set yourself apart and go above and beyond what is expected if you want to wow.” -Zappos founder Tony Hsieh
2. Establish credibility and integrity
Being credible and having integrity are essential for success in an executive role. Strong leadership abilities and a high degree of credibility are necessary for success as an executive. This indicates that your clients, colleagues, team, and the general public all trust you. By demonstrating traits like reliability, dedication, and consistency as well as taking a proactive and enthusiastic approach to your job, you may establish credibility within your firm from the very beginning of your career.
“Your reputation will endure beyond the most recent quarter, the year’s conclusion, or if the deal was completed. Deals may come and go throughout life, but your reputation will last forever. -Lillie, Jarden’s CEO, recommends
3. Establishing ties and networking
You’ve probably heard the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” more than once. If you want to succeed as an executive, you should keep this in mind. Building relationships with the proper individuals is crucial, even if knowledge and abilities are also necessary. According to experts, it’s crucial to build personal networks with bosses, colleagues, and other people early in your career (and throughout) by getting involved in the community and joining organizations. Never pass up the chance to get mentoring; every successful businessperson or outstanding leader had a mentor who helped and encouraged them.
“I believe that mentors are crucial; without some kind of guidance, I don’t think anyone can succeed in life.” Oprah Winfrey
4. Become knowledgeable
While there are always exceptions to the norm, relatively few high-level executives in the business sector lack a college degree. Many of them pursue postgraduate degrees in their profession because they understand how crucial and essential they are to obtaining higher-level work. Obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) was crucial to success for many of today’s top CEOs.
Why is a graduate degree so crucial? Because it gives you the skill set you need to do the work well and puts you ahead of those who quit school after receiving a bachelor’s degree. MBA holders are thought to be a great addition to a company. Several well-known executives who demonstrate this point include:
Meg Whitman, eBay’s former CEO
Cisco Systems CEO John Chamers
The CEO of Simon Property Group is David Simon.
Gilead Science CEO John Martin
Former E-Trade Financial Corporation CEO Mitchell Caplan
Charles Halderman, Freddie Mac’s CEO
Former U.S. Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera
5. Become and remain inspired
Motivation is one of the key traits that the most successful CEOs in the world have in common. One of the most crucial components is having a strong desire to achieve. You are unlikely to succeed even with the finest education, training, mentorship, and contacts if your desire for achievement is not strong enough. Maintaining motivation was a key factor in the success of many of today’s top leaders. There will always be difficulties in business, but you can overcome them if you have ambition and have a clear sense of priorities.