An Executive Coach’s Guide on Preparing Yourself for a C-Level Role
As an Executive Coach, I work with a lot of leaders to prepare them for entering into and then succeeding within C-level roles. What is important for people interested in entering into the top tier of leadership to develop and know to set themselves up for success? Here is a summary of my top tips:
Develop your ability to be a great speaker. This isn’t about being an extrovert vs. an introvert. It is about the absolute importance of being able to communicate your ideas in a way that motivates others and articulates your vision.
This is an area I work with leaders on to ensure they are speaking in a way that resonates with others.=
Make your intentions known. Are you assuming that your good work will speak for itself? Good work is a qualifier but it is far from the only element. Advocate for yourself and discuss with senior leaders the path forward.
Authentically cultivate sponsors. Notice I used the word authentic? It is not about using people to get to the top and then dropping the connection. This process is about making an effort to connect with other human beings in a way that incorporates genuine kindness to help them understand more about who you are and the work you do. You will also need to be open to learning more about them, too.
Get out of your silo. Great C-level leaders think about what is best for the organization first, not just their own area. Sometimes that means making hard decisions.
Develop your brand inside and outside the organization. This means looking for speaking engagements and ways to share that heighten the organization’s profile. In turn, this elevates your own brand.
Volunteer. Being a great C-level leader isn’t just about the work you do inside the organization. It is about your life outside of work, too. You gain great depth as well as respect from others when you roll up your sleeves and help make the world a better place.
Break out of the box. Innovative leaders are highly desired now more than ever. Being able to demonstrate that you are not afraid to trailblaze (not just for the sake of it) when it is of benefit is an area to challenge yourself in.
Rest. A lot of people on the path to or in C-level roles may not automatically think of rest as an item on the path to success. But, it is. I work with burnt-out leaders all the time who are trying to find their way back to more balance in life. This doesn’t mean a 9 to 5 job. It is about finding ways to slow down and recharge so they can continue to be strong leaders. It is also about role modeling this to your people. Cultures that offer more flexibility and respect for their people’s mental health are much stronger in engagement and retention. This needs to start at the top.
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