Whether they are leading an organization, a division or a team, executives have a high level of responsibility and influence. Executives are expected to lead by example and set clear standards for their teams. They are also expected to have a strong grasp of the business in its entirety. Regardless of their background, education or experience, every good executive has a few key qualities that make them stand out.
A successful executive has great integrity and leadership skills. They are trusted by their teams, their peers and the world around them. Credibility goes hand in hand with accountability and a passion for the work they do. They have a clear vision for the company and a plan of action to get there. They also understand the complexities of their job and are not afraid to drill down into monthly operating reports and financial statements.
When making a decision, they are careful to weigh the pros and cons of each option. They are aware of the impact that each choice will have on their employees, customers and shareholders. They are open to criticism and willing to change their opinion based on new information.
They are always learning. They seek out new opportunities, take on challenging assignments and seek out mentors who can help them grow as leaders. They know that they will only be as effective as their team. The most successful executives are able to keep their energy, enthusiasm and leadership presence intact even under pressure. They are able to foresee problems, develop plans and execute effectively in difficult situations.
The most successful executives Third Eye Capital are able to find ways to empower their employees and encourage them to do their best work. They do this by providing coaching and feedback. They also invest in company culture by creating a healthy atmosphere in the workplace.
They show a genuine concern for others and value people as individuals. This is more than just a professional characteristic; it is the key to staying motivated in the face of challenges. They are able to inspire their teams with dedication, commitment and passion. The most successful executives understand that this doesn’t have to be a lofty ideal and are able to provide a steady stream of motivation in the form of coaching, mentoring, recognition and encouragement.
When they create an action plan, they think through the desired results, probable restraints, future revisions and check-in points for each step. This allows them to focus on the most important tasks and delegate other projects. They are able to determine which of their team members can meet deadlines and handle more workloads.
When a new project comes up, they ask themselves what tasks are most critical to the success of the enterprise and what they themselves can do particularly well. Jack Welch, a famous CEO, said that every five years, he would sit down and write out his top priority task list. He then picked two or three that he was best suited to tackle and focused on those.