Here are my 5 tips needed to break through to the executive level.
Table of Contents
Tip 1: Become a Scaled Leader
To break through to the executive level, you need to learn how to be a scaled deep leader—how do you truly scale your business and team?
This comes down to delegation and creating effective mechanism checkpoints.
Tell your team, “I am not a micromanager, but part of my job is to regularly audit your performance so I can stay updated and help you when needed.”
Implement these mechanisms through weekly and monthly business reviews that keep operations on schedule.
The most crucial aspect of leadership is setting clear expectations upfront, so your lieutenants understand exactly what you expect and the timeline they need to follow.
Tip 2: Be a Change Agent
You must become a change agent for the business.
If you want to scale into executive roles and become an influential leader, you need to drive measurable business results.
In for-profit companies, this means cultivating a team culture that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
Tip 3: Master the Magic Loop
This is about effectively managing both up and down.
Start by carefully observing your manager—notice how they prefer to work and the specific questions they consistently ask.
Then follow these steps:
- Do your assigned work well first.
- Ask your manager how you can help (90% of managers never get asked this).
- Whatever they give you, execute it excellently.
- Once you build trust, request tasks that align with your career goals.
- Rinse and repeat.
As you build credibility, begin proactively showcasing solutions: “I noticed this problem; here’s my recommendation on how we fix it.”
Eventually, advance to taking more initiative: “I noticed we had this problem; I fixed it; here’s what I did.”
Tip 4: Build Trust and Executive Presence
The senior level in companies can be intensely competitive.
Often there’s only one spot for promotion, and it typically goes to whoever has established the highest trust, strongest industry reputation, compelling executive presence, solid relationships, and a consistent track record of delivering business results.
Tip 5: Demonstrate Bold Leadership
I’ve witnessed bold leadership in action—executives who build innovative products that directly confront the innovator’s dilemma, creating their company’s future even when it might threaten current cash flows.
This willingness to potentially disrupt their own “golden goose” isn’t easy, but it distinguishes truly visionary leaders from the rest.