“Whether you call them skills, traits or talents, there’s no doubt that modern C-Suite executives need them more than ever in today’s lightning-speed business world”, observes Charles Edelstein from Executive Placements.
As a leader, an executive is responsible for driving their organization toward success. But what sets great executives apart from the average ones? It’s not just about having experience or knowledge – it’s also about possessing certain personality traits that allow them to excel in their roles. So whether you’re an aspiring executive, on a job search or already at the top of your game, discover how to hone these essential skills and become an even more impactful leader.
Every executive must possess a number of important traits in order to be successful.
- Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Decision Making
- Communication Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Trait #1: Leadership
Leadership is one of the most important traits an executive can have. A leader inspires and motivates others to achieve a common goal. A leader must be able to think strategically and make decisions that will benefit the company as a whole. Leaders also need to be able to build relationships and trust with their team members. Start with taking responsibility, provide motivation, learn to delegate and accept feedback.
Trait #2: Strategic Thinking
See the big picture and make long-term plans. It’s what allows executives to make decisions that will benefit the company in the future, even if it means sacrificing short-term gains.
As quoted by Nina A. Bowman a Managing Partner at Paravis Partners, “strategic thinking assures that you aren’t making decisions in a vacuum but are considering how other departments might be affected or how the outside world will respond.” So executives are able to look at a problem from all angles and come up with creative solutions. They also have the foresight to anticipate obstacles and plan for them, this type of thinking is essential. Here are some tips:
- Think long-term: When making decisions, always consider how they will impact the company in the future. What may seem like a good idea in the short-term could end up being detrimental down the road.
- Be proactive: Anticipate problems before they happen and have a plan ready. This way, you can avoid crisis situations or at least be prepared for them if they do arise.
- Be creative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when solving problems. Sometimes, the best solutions are ones that no one has thought of before.
- Know your competitors: Try to anticipate obstacles that could stand in your way and plan accordingly. This will help you stay one step ahead of the competition.
Trait #3: Decision Making
Decision making is a critical trait for any executive. The ability to make sound decisions, quickly and under pressure, is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
Executives must be able to weigh all the available information, consider the implications of each decision, and then choose the best course of action. This process requires not only experience and knowledge but also a certain amount of intuition and gut feeling.
The best executives are those who trust their instincts and are not afraid to make decisions and who do not second guess themselves. They know that there is always risk involved in any decision, but they also know that inaction is often more risky than taking action.
They have usually developed this trait through years of experience and by learning from their mistakes.
Trait #4: Communication Skills
Billionaire business entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin global conglomerate, Sir Richard Branson believes “Communication is the most important skill any leader can possess.”
It’s no secret that communication is key to any successful relationship. The same goes for the relationship between an executive and their team. An effective leader must be able to communicate their vision and rally their troops behind a common goal.
But communication isn’t just about giving orders, a leader must also be a good listener. They need to be able to take feedback from their team and use it to improve the company as a whole.
The best leaders know how to strike a balance between being authoritative and approachable. They understand that open communication is essential to maintaining a happy and productive workforce.
Trait #5: Adaptability and Flexibility
The ability to adapt and be flexible is a critical trait for any executive. The world is constantly changing, and successful executives must be able to change with it. They need to be able to anticipate change and adapt their plans accordingly. They also need to be flexible in their approach, and willing to try new things and experiment. This flexibility allows them to find the best solutions to problems and seize opportunities as they arise.
Every successful executive must have the right combination of traits to achieve success. Having strong leadership and communication skills, as well as being creative and detail-oriented, will go a long way in helping any executive reach their goals.
