How to know what and how to improve in order to contribute more?
Typically, the “C-Suite” is perceived as the most important and influential group within an organization, which requires a lot of experience and leadership skills to be part of.
Traditionally, to reach the C-Suite has been thanks to the development of solid technical skills in the area of expertise, adding the capacity of discernment and judgment provided by experience in the same.
However, the complexity of the global economic environment requires more and more human and intellectual capital from organizations. So, besides being an expert in the Commercial, Financial or Technological Area… how should I prepare myself to provide more value?
The question seems simple, but have you really thought about which of the many things to learn to focus on? This is where the concept of “horizontal” preparation comes in, that is, learning from positions in different areas at your level.
How to achieve this? The organization may not always offer you the opportunity for cross-training, but if it does, take advantage of it. If it does not exist, this can help you, it is only 2 steps:
1. Define which area you need to learn about to create the greatest impact. Starting from your area of expertise in the C-Suite, which area do you consider would be a good complement to have a more complete vision of the business and have a more positive impact on results?
a. Example 1: If you are the CFO, would you consider learning more from the commercial area, to better understand where the business opportunities are moving?
b. Example 2: If you are HR, would you consider learning more about operations, to better align kpis and motivate people to achieve them?
c. Example 3: If you are the Operative, would you consider learning more about HR to strengthen the organizational culture and motivate employees to “row” in a focused and synchronized way to increase productivity and be more efficient?
2. Define an action plan for learning. Once you define an area that can complement you (not everything can be done at once and no one in the C-Suite has time to spare), you have several options for courses of action:
a. Talk to your CEO about the analysis you did and your purpose in wanting to learn more about another area of the business to achieve better results.. It is possible that between the two of you they will find a project in which you can participate and generate a positive impact.
b. Take a genuine interest and organize yourself to achieve greater depth in your participation in your colleagues’ projects. Because we are busy with our own projects, when we collaborate on projects that others are leading, we do not get as involved. Don’t waste the opportunity to learn from other areas and create productive relationships.
c. Seek outside help to hone those skills that can help you take a holistic view of challenges and improve execution skills. Short seminars, sessions with an expert consultant, and academic programs are options that can fit your time and budget.
To bring value and impact to the C-Suite, in addition to your expertise, you need to have visionary and holistic perspectives to make healthier senior management decisions.
