It is not unusual to find many new hires at companies already planning strategy to put themselves in prime position for a good promotion to an executive job. Many of today's best jobs are indeed found at the executive management level and they these jobs will often be given to workers who have applied themselves to their jobs and contributed in great measure to the success of the business.
If you are a worker or a job seeker that has their sights set on that corner office, an executive title, and the other trappings of corporate leadership, you should start to put yourself in play early. It's never too early to prepare yourself to advance up the organizational ladder.
While some people do feel that hard work alone will secure them the promotions and advancement that they desire, the fact remains that you have to come up with a way to increase your visibility and company exposure if you really want to land a lucrative and rewarding position.
There is intense competition for the relatively small amount of coveted places at the executive level. You can indeed move now and get the ball rolling so you have an edge when that next VP position becomes open, and you can give yourself a definite edge in the world of corporate politics.
Having an appropriately successful track record, good skills, an MBA, and several years of company related experience can help, but even these are no longer sufficient in today's competitive environment. Corporate professionals who long to land an executive VP position will need to have a strong showing of leadership.
These people must also have proof that they can function as team players when they are needed to do so. Being able to show clear organizational skills, communication skills and the ability to plan and analyze will also help you advance your cause. Corporate workers who want a lucrative executive VP position or other executive job should be prepared to demonstrate a variety of people and motivational skills, innovative ideas and the ability to make important decisions.
Here are some steps you should take to help you break from the pack in that race for the corner office.
1. Let the people in your organization know that you are interested in advancing to the executive management level. You will have to show them that you are serious about this idea by taking on extra assignments and becoming a known face in your office. Don't expect your supervisors to know your skills; you are your own best marketer.
2. Woody Allen once said that 90% of success is created by someone just showing up. Being at work when you are expected and being on time is extremely important in the corporate world.
3. Learn what the responsibilities and duties are for any management position in which you are interested. Study the department that it involves and become an expert on how that area of your company functions. Then analyze what skills you have for that job and which ones you need to develop.
4. If you want to excel in business you have to show that you are willing to do extra work and take on extra assignments. This may mean that you are coming in earlier to work or staying later, but advancement carries a price.
5. Supervisors will notice if you develop a reputation as someone who is willing to step up when needed, and lend a hand. Besides, managers are required to lead their teams – if you can't really become part of a team, how do you ever expect to lead one?
6. Bringing in the most clients or generating the most sales does not necessarily make you manager material. It may make you a good sales person, but a manager can communicate, motivate, and encourage the workers around them. Good communication skills are a key to becoming a manager in any business. Sign up for classes or seminars that are offered in professional or business communication skills and watch your own managers take note.
7. Leading a team of employees will include hiring, firing, disciplining, and evaluating the employees who are members of your group. These tasks are not easy, and are often downright unpleasant, which makes some people try to avoid the issues entirely. If you cannot talk frankly and honestly and make decisions based on what is correct and best for the company, you will not make a good executive. Classes on self-assertion and leadership will be good training exercises and will provide you with a wealth of valuable experience.
8. Even if you're a manager, you still have to report to someone. Be sure to document all of your achievements that can show your stellar performance. Keep all those e-mails and letters from satisfied customers and clients in a portfolio. You should also keep track of your own work evaluations and any company recognitions that you receive.
9. You will have to consider the neighborhood that you are living in and the clubs and organizations that you belong to. These things do matter when it comes to networking and promotions.
10. Don't make idle talk about how good you are at performing your work; show how well you work by turning in consistent top-notch performances. If you come across as an egomaniac or a blowhard, then enjoy the level at which you are now because you will likely advance no further.
One of the ways that you can make your executive job search go quicker and smoother is to utilize online job boards like Exec Crossing. This is a national site with a community that involves executive headhunters, top businesses and individuals just like you. With these internet resources, you can let your job search travel thousands of miles in order to connect with that one perfect, executive job.
