Want to be a CEO? 7 step-guide to prepare at the C-suite level

By James Agrawal

Different times call for different leadership skills. If one wants to be a C-suite executive, there are certain skills young aspirants need to hone in order to move up the ladder.

The journey towards getting a senior executive role often starts long before their first managerial experience. With lots of people aiming for the top and only a few positions available, it's important to understand what professionals need to keep in mind during their transitional journey to reach a high-ranking executive title.


For starters, take responsibility for your decisions, communicate well, don't be averse to taking risks, and create healthy work environment that encourages understanding, opportunity and enthusiasm.

Here are some other skills one needs to master to climb up the ladder.

Getting the team right
At the beginning of their C-level tenures, executives rely on the inputs shared by their direct reports when determining solutions to the strategic problems. Having the right people on the team is extremely crucial for the C-level executives.

Strong leadership
At senior roles, it's vital to be able to lead others effectively. However, having leadership skills is not just about giving orders or having power and control. Leadership is about motivating teams to perform better, inspiring them to be more innovative, and driving them forward to meet and exceed business goals.

The art of self-management
During transitions, executives struggle with self-management. They often spend less time preparing themselves for their new role and focusing on their personal growth/development. Executives with most successful transitions are usually the ones who spend more time preparing themselves for their roles. This helps them to perform better than others at their job.

Goal-oriented
C-level leaders should set clear goals that will give directions to the business and the teams heading different departments. Part of being goal-orientated is also taking accountability that key performance indicators of line managers or team leaders are met. It is also important for them to step in if necessary they need help in hitting those set targets.

Bold
To see real breakthroughs, corporate leaders need to have the confidence to take bold decisions.

Business expertise and flexibility
At the 'chief' level, professionals need to have a broader range of expertise. While it's important to oversee operations in different departments, senior leaders must also understand market share, customer trends and industry shifts. While working in a global economy, the aspiring leaders must understand the challenges associated with international negotiations and impact of economic trends. With businesses developing, industries changing and globalisation, top bosses should be able to adapt quickly to different situations.

Creating a shared vision on business priorities
Business-related activities play a critical role in a transition's overall outcome. It is extremely important for professionals to create a shared vision and alignment in sync with their organisation's business goals.

(The author is Managing Director, BTI Executive Search/PERSOL KELLY)

Work At 30,000 Ft: How Vikas Oberoi, Roland Folger And Other CEOs Utilise Air-Time

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They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:

They travel around the world for work or leisure. But these business leaders know how to make the most of the hours they spend in an aircraft while travelling to faraway destinations:

“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War. As an entrepreneur, I feel this genre keeps me motivated, offers me the ability to think out of the box and appreciate multiple perspectives.”

(Text: Rohan Abraham)

“I enjoy watching movies of various genres, likePK and The Wolf of Wall Street. I may also switch to reading on my Kindle. I enjoy reading inspirational books like The Lean Startup and The Art of War..

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“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and the Indian Jam Project make me feel light and energised. Music helps clear my mind of entrepreneurial riddles, and lets me get closer to my younger self.”

(Text: Rohan Abraham)

“Flight journeys, for me, are all about disconnecting from the world. I listen to my favorite music: Rock, funk, electronic dance music, and Indian fusion. Music by Metallica, Coldplay, Sigala, and t..

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“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to keep a blanket handy. I’d also suggest avoiding food on the flight, since it’s calories without much nutrition.”

(Text: Glynda Alves)

“I mostly try to catch up on sleep, especially on late-night flights. There is also a book in my bag to keep me company. Reading helps me relax. One travel hack that has always worked for me is to k..

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“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short flight, I watch portions of regional films: Tamil, Malayalam and Bollywood movies, but not the full movie.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)

“I pray, read, sleep or listen to music, etc. I rarely talk to co-passengers. I like to use the quiet time to reflect on various things. I don’t watch movies on longer flights. If it’s a short fligh..

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“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin with a glass of champagne to celebrate this break without a cellphone. I then enjoy the company around me, eat, and catch up on sleep.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)

“I rarely watch movies or read books on a flight. But when I do, I usually pick new Hollywood releases, especially suspense thrillers. Flight journeys are about winding down and recharging. I begin ..

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“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that I am flying to. From their local cuisine to history and culture, I try to learn at least two new things about that place, so that I can explore it in my leisure time.”

(Text: Glynda Alves)

“Flying gives me an opportunity to relax, and I spend most of my time catching up on sleep and reading books. Of late, I have inculcated a new travel habit of reading about the city or country that ..

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“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, music and TV or movies. Sometimes when I’m tired and don’t feel like reading, or watching something, I prefer listening to audio books on my phone. I recently had a chance to listen to Business Adventures by John Brooks, a classic collection of defining moments which provides entrepreneurs with priceless lessons in all areas of business.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)

“I am mostly a solitary traveller. However, I recently met an 85-year old gentleman, who gave me good advice for my holidays in Sri Lanka. During a long flight, I alternate between a good book, musi..

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“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane. I know some bosses like to read while travelling (which I should try to do) but I find it more relaxing to watch Superman.”

(Text: Shannon Tellis)

“I like to catch up on superhero movies that I might have missed. When I’m not at the office, I try to spend time with my wife and children so the only time I generally get to myself is on the plane..

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“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.”

(Text: Glynda Alves)

“I tend to fly a lot for work. Much of my time is taken up with writing, or researching my historical books.” (Text: Glynda Alves)

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