''There's a fine line in an executive job sometimes between keeping customers, shareholders, and employees all happy. It's a constant juggling act that sometimes results in big executives with bigger responsibilities messing up big time,'' says Teena Rose of JobBank USA.
Executives can, in turn, become managers and leaders after sufficient experience and confidence. But there is a big hitch. Not all executives make good managers. The ability to delegate responsibility requires trust and foresight and is nurtured when an executive has developed sound leadership qualities. It is found in the chosen few, but it can be trained within oneself with persistence and faith in oneself. The following are some of the distinguishing qualities which a leader possesses and which every executive should possess to be successful:
- A good executive must understand the business he is in. Executives are required to have the basic knowledge about the workings of a company. If an executive who has a commerce background and is a relative dud in computer programming will have a tough time managing an IT firm.
- Executives are fairly successful who have a strong strategic focus and think laterally. Inspirational leaders coupled with strong ethics and principles are liked by most employees. These leaders are considerate of their employees’ feelings and are reflective of their decisions. Their genuine humility and vulnerability doesn’t overpower their quiet confidence during decision-making.
- Worthy executives will be calculative risk-takers. But more than the risk involved, they would be striving hard to motivate, inspire, and encourage their employees for the collective goal. They would involve their staff in their decision-making process and help them to feel one with the company.
- In successful companies, people work hard but enjoy themselves in the process. Fun is a great indicator that an organization is innovative and is also a key innovation driver. An ideal executive is hard-working but fun-loving too.
- Recognition is a vital aspect that a good executive will never be averse to. Inspirational execs know that it's vital that people feel appreciated and valued, so they show their appreciation through extensive celebration of success - both formally and informally.
- Find ways to learn continuously and improve on whatever you do with newer ideas.
- Do your work completely and with pride and vigor.
- Be true to your own values and clear up energy drains to utilize and devote it in work.
- Keep your work in perspective and never overwork, give balanced time and attention to your personal and family interests to be satisfied always.
- Learn to be more open to suggestions from employees keeping unnecessary inhibitions aside.
- Network and delegate wherever necessary, and let them do the work themselves independently up to a certain extent.
