If you aspire to become an executive, want to be selected as one, and want to succeed at the highest levels, you need to develop and cultivate the right mindset and begin to think like an executive.
Exactly what this means depends on the environment, your personality and the author. For me, the three most distinct characteristics of an executive mindset are:
- Applying a bigger picture mentality most of the time, and using this perspective as your default when dealing with issues, people and problems.
- Adopting a level of maturity that keeps you level-headed no matter what, because you understand the way things work and are not flustered, even in extreme situations.
- Being able to moderate your own personal agenda so that you can execute on behalf of the group, even if this works against your interests.
Many people in executive roles do not demonstrates these, that much is obvious.
Later this year I am due to conduct a number of CEO workshops in the US. Preparation for this has identified that many top teams are dysfunctional, because they have failed to adopt the right mindset as individuals, and hence as a team.
In this environment, you have to be careful.
The mindset advocated above should not be adopted in a foolhardy manner. Knowing that your less scrupulous peers may be out to get you, you can take precautions, and still exhibit the executive mindset. You don’t have to sacrifice your career with the executive mindset.
Learning how to rise above their self-interested ways, taking the higher ground, and protecting the overall mission of the organisation, and your career, will set you apart. It will enable you to rise as a leader of distinction, and one that will stand the test of time.
If you liked this, you may also enjoy: The Influential Executive: Nine Critical Capabilities
Colin Gautrey
Provocative Coach/Mentor | Specialism: Impact and Influence
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