Are you ready to take the stage as a leader?
Recently I was hired to provide executive coaching to a senior executive. He hired me to help him understand why he was not chosen to lead an organization and what he can do to make sure the next time an opportunity comes up, he was ready and he would be considered the prime candidate.
My client was convinced that he was the best candidate for the CEO position. I asked him to walk me through the CEO job description, paying particular attention to the desired leadership qualities and competencies. After completing this exercise, he admitted that although he was strong on the technical skills and he could adequately perform the necessary tasks, he was not well rounded as a leader.
While we are both convinced that he is ‘CEO material’, he realized that he needed to build on his professional network and be seen more as a leader outside of his department. He had not invested the required resources to develop his personal brand.
Putting It Into Action:
Re-write your resume to emphasize your leadership skills and added value results. Develop or enhance your one page biography, once again highlighting your leadership and success outside of your division or company. Write articles or speak at conferences to enhance your network and build your personal brand. Attend conferences, events and join clubs/organizations outside of your usual comfort zones. Get appointed to boards that stretch your role beyond what you are currently doing. Lead projects that have wide scopes, high visibility, are international or are key strategic imperatives.
With you along the path towards success,
Joseph