15 different tips for business executives
There is no secret to business success. It combines some pretty basic skills, though not all are easy to acquire. As you develop as an executive, no matter where your skills sit today, the key is always getting better.
Failure is welcome. It’s how an executive rises above their current skillset and, with failure, improves. It’s challenging work, but an executive role is a big opportunity to show what you can do if you are passionate about it. Here are some tips for business executives.
Be the example
Be the example you expect your team members to be. If you want them to work hard, you must work hard. If you want them to dress a certain way, conduct themselves a certain way, and model company culture, you set the example as an executive.
Be confident and professional
Especially with first impressions, you always want to present yourself as confident and professional. Whether it’s investors, customers, media, marketing, or whomever, always show up in your most professional presentation.
Study your product and customer
Executives, be the ultimate expert on your products or services and know your customers. This base knowledge is necessary to strategize, execute a strategy, and explain to others why the strategy is what it is.
Pivot and persevere
Only some things will go your way, and only some strategies will work. Be ready to pivot to what’s working or an entirely new approach. Keep perseverance in mind. If you don’t give up, your team members won’t.
Study different leadership styles
There are many types of leadership styles and ways to approach leading others. Study what works and what doesn’t for your team. The best leadership will often be mission-based, humanistic, rewarding hard work, innovative, employee-focused, empathetic, and transformative.
Hire future executives
Remember to invest in your long-term development. Executive development is key. Read, listen, and develop your executive skills under experts’ watchful eyes.
Don’t hire followers. Hire leaders. Build a team of individuals who could one day become executives like you. This will create the strongest possible performance for your company—a task that should be the ultimate priority for any executive.
Incentivize your team
There are many ways to motivate individuals. Not all will value a raise or a financial bonus as much as they will an opportunity to learn a new skill or develop their leadership skills. Ensure upward mobility in your company and ways to reward innovative work.
Empower your employees’ voice
Don’t let your employees feel powerless. Give them authority. Provide them with chances to impress. Don’t disenfranchise team members. Talk to them, get their input about policy decisions, and include them as you strategize.
Be adept at communicating in different styles
There are four primary communication styles that people use in a work setting. Workers are analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal. An executive should be skilled at communication in each style, motivating, understanding, and connecting with every team member.
Be the best follower
Executives are still students. While leading others is key, following others and setting aside ego is necessary. Reward your team members with attention when they present an excellent idea or a suggestion that is better than what was already there.
Innovate tactfully where there is profit
Chase innovation. Find ways to give your customers something new that suits your brand and its products. When you innovate, you stand out from the competition. As an executive, demonstrating that you can successfully innovate and cultivate profit builds your reputation and value in the business.
Don’t avoid your weaknesses
Many new executives play to their strengths. They are afraid of working to improve their weaknesses. To last as an executive, you must strengthen your weaknesses and bring them up to their best. Invest time and effort in doing so.
Ensure you’re able to give peak performance
During workdays, ensure you sleep right, stay hydrated, and eat regularly. Provide your mind and body with what they need to deliver your best daily work performance.
Don’t make decisions guided by emotion
Stick to objective data when making decisions and managing your team. Do not be guided by positive or negative emotions, whether happiness, surprise, anger, disappointment, worry, or sadness. Always maintain a strong and calm mindset.
Consult with others on big decisions
Never make a big decision without weighing the pros and cons and consulting with people you trust. Ask people you trust who know the matter. After consulting, be decisive and stick to it.
