Climbing the C-Suite requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, training, networking, and volunteering within the company. Executives suggest that professionals should transform their jobs, network strategically, find good mentors, be observant, nurture their communication style, broaden their work experience, and learn continuously…
Corporate growth is a desire for many workers. Suzanne Ogle considers most careers jungle gyms.
“There isn’t usually a direct path from an entry-level position to the head of the company,” says Southern Gas Association president and CEO Ogle in Dallas. “It will take time and many skills to learn. Gaining leadership may take decades.”
Ogle suggests using education, training, networking, and volunteering inside your organization to advance, as well as playing to your talents.
Many stages, say seasoned executives, may help workers achieve the C-suite. This is what Ogle and other leaders recommend.
Given below are 7 steps to climbing your way up to the C-Suite:
- Go beyond your work.
Adam Bryant, senior managing director of The ExCo Group executive coaching business in New York City, originator of The New York Times Corner Office interview series, and author of multiple executive leadership books, advises transforming any employment. “Don’t just meet expectations,” he says. “Make a name for optimizing and streamlining the company.”
- Strategize networking.
Shawn M. Graham traveled to Atlanta knowing she had the skills and work ethic to further her career, but she needed the right people. She was proud of her “grind” and determination from inner city New York. “I’d notice the people in the room that everyone wants to meet,” says Graham, currently National Black MBA Association CFO and temporary CEO. “I knew from my childhood how important it is to know who to avoid and who to befriend.” She emphasizes that networking is more than simply turning up, while visibility is crucial: Reciprocity matters. I ask for suggestions and what I can do for them.”
- Find excellent mentors.
Bryant feels mentors and coaches are crucial to job success. “People have blind spots about themselves, so you need someone to stop the conversation. You may consider yourself as collaborative, but others may regard you as authoritarian.
- Observe.
Graham watches CEOs and other leaders she admires to discover their success secrets. Graham claims he would examine people’s body language and listen to their conversations. “Now, I work hard to mentor others and share my skills and knowledge.”
- Develop your communication style.
Many of Bryant’s 1,000 top executives had strong communication abilities. Bryant argues CEOs must reduce complexity. “A leader must be able to stand in front of a group and answer questions like parents do in the backseat. They want to know your destination and route.” Bryant suggests cutting a presentation deck in half or reducing a seven-page note to one page to practice simplifying complicated issues.
- Obtain more job experience.
Bryant argues leaders maximize their route. “Think of your life like a towel soaking up water and then wringing out every drop of your own experience,” Bryant adds. “Good leaders actively observe and process lessons everywhere.” Bryant advocates joining workplace groups and special initiatives to learn and network with coworkers.
- Learn constantly.
Graham recommends MBAs, which are “phenomenal” for opening doors and learning beyond books. But she adds any degree and experience may lead to the C-suite: “Keep learning through reading and listening. Technology is rapidly transforming our lives and companies, making this crucial.”
While it’s easy to concentrate on work and personal life, Ogle and Graham urge community involvement. Graham, who spent two years on the City of Atlanta Small Business Advisory Council and holds various charity board positions, thinks volunteering is a terrific opportunity to network and learn from others. Graham adds, “I feel an obligation to help others in my community, and I enjoy mentoring people. “People are surprised when I answer LinkedIn messages or serve at the Salvation Army, but I want to help them as much as my mentors helped me.”
Conclusion
Dallas-based Southern Gas Association president and CEO Suzanne Ogle says career routes are more like a jungle gym than a straight road. Corporate leaders recommend many approaches to reach the C-suite. First, optimize and streamline your organization to improve your work. Be visible, network wisely, and meet the proper people. Ask for guidance and help.
A competent mentor or coach may help you stop talking about yourself and seem authoritarian. Observe successful businesses and leaders to determine their traits. Simplify difficult issues and practice simplifying replies to improve your communication style.
Volunteering for committees and special initiatives helps you meet colleagues and mentors. To open doors and learn beyond books, Ogle recommends an MBA.
Last, Ogle and Graham propose volunteering in your community to network and learn from others. These procedures will help you achieve the C-suite in business.
