Learn from your surroundings: Let's say that you are working at an architectural design corporation and you are serious about pursuing the top position of CEO. The best way to learn how to prepare yourself for this top position is to learn from people who have been there. Before you can become the head of the company, you should begin thinking and acting like one. Most employees are too focused on their role in the work place and never fully understand the business as a whole. They believe that it is the responsibility of the boss to understand what is happening at different levels within the corporation. This is a big error to make. You should definitely try to learn as much as you can from your supervisor and also try to understand what problems he or she might face daily. Then, attempt to try to assist him or her in achieving goals and solving problems. You are being judged by how you behave at work and by the results you achieve.
Find a mentor within your company who has a long history of sitting in an executive position. This person should be a decision maker. By having a mentor, you will learn more quickly exactly how to behave and you will get a clearer understanding of all that is involved with making big decisions and how to implement ideas into action.
Be focused: The most important thing to keep in mind when trying to attain the top position of a company is that you have to be diligent, dedicated, and focused. It will take a lot of effort on your part, and you will have to work hard and put in extra time and effort to work your way up the corporate ladder.
Possess an MBA: It is a great idea if you are serious about becoming the chief executive officer that you possess an MBA from a reputable school. By having an MBA you will have the skills necessary for the challenging job at the top and you will stand a much better chance of acquiring the position when the time is right.
Develop Confidence: Never be afraid to approach the CEO of the company. People are only people, and they all have different educations, personalities, and backgrounds. If you happen to be a bit down on the corporate ladder to see the CEO very often, then you can still learn about him or her by reading. There are many great books available that discuss how to think like a CEO and what roles the CEO plays. Find books and other reading material that discusses how you can accelerate the process. Autobiographies and biographies by and about great leaders will give you great inside information on what others have done and gone through to get themselves into the top positions.
Be sure to focus on achieving results at work. Your reputation is on the line. Do not look past your achievements, no matter how small the role you may play now. Show confidence in all you do on the job and take on more responsibility every chance you get.