By: Jasmine Ball
The corporate landscape is ever-evolving, which means C-suite executives who are next in line need new and different skills than those before them in order to ascend into the executive level and deal with the business realities of today.
A look at current C-suite executives who are at the top of their game revealed the following skills and strategies found necessary to effectively help you rise to the top of your game and break the glass ceiling.
Business Acumen
When you’re on the way to the C-suite, at some point you’ll need to make the switch to start looking at yourself as a business leader. As a C-suite executive, you’ll need to have business acumen, which means you’ve developed a broad understanding of business including finance, supply chain, and analytics. You’ll also need to understand how certain decision- making impacts the company at large and being able to navigate through various business situations in order to increase profits, improve market share, and drive the company towards success.
“Soft” leadership skills
Soft leadership skills are the non-technical qualities leaders possess that help them become effective. Some examples of soft leadership skills include emotional intelligence, problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, delegation, and conflict-resolution skills — all of which speak to one’s ability to manage the internal and external needs of themselves, the company, and others.
Technical and functional expertise
Technical and functional skills, also known as “hard” skills, concentrate on one’s wide knowledge and ability to adapt to rapidly evolving technological advances. Essentially, this is having the skills required to manage various equipment and their functionality. For example, having an expertise in analytics, IT, or project management to name a few. C-suite executives have specialized and technical competencies unique to their role whether that be in finance, marketing, operations, IT, human resources, or compliance, etc.
Strong communication skills
C-suite executives are required to demonstrate strong communication skills. Your ability to communicate (or lack thereof) will be reflected in your ability to build trust, connect with others,
manage stakeholder relations, create impact, and get things done.
Strategic
C-suite executives are forward-thinking and agile when it comes to planning, executing, and driving results. They think beyond what’s happening in the now, and have the capacity and vision to look at the bigger picture of what could be best for the organization in the medium to long term.
Adaptable
Because the corporate landscape is ever- evolving, would-be executives must be adaptable and willing to embrace change. This includes staying informed about trends impacting the industry, technological advancements, and any social, political or overall market shifts.
Use these strategies and skill sets as your path to power as you rise through the ranks of leadership and pursue the coveted c-suite executive level position.
Jasmine Ball is a wife, mom, award-winning journalist, and founder of BTM Writing Services. Throughout her career, she’s been helping companies all over the world get confidence over their content and grow their businesses. With God at the center, Jasmine’s life mission is to use her gift to connect people to resources that will help them live more informed, inspired, and overall better lives.
