4 Top Qualities of Successful Senior-Level Managers
One of the most important factors found within top companies that last is their impressive leadership. Look at most of the well-established multinationals across the globe and you’ll find that their CEOs, board members, and other executive managers are respected within the industry (and often outside it too) for their abilities.
What is it exactly, though, that makes a successful manager? If you’re studying a higher degree in organizational leadership or similar, during your career you’ll be regularly asking yourself that question as you help companies lead their way into bigger profits and more innovative practices.
There are many different strengths that a top leader can utilize in their role, but debates continue on which ones are the most important. There do, however, seem to be some particular skills and qualities which set the best leaders apart from others, and which should be encouraged in current and future workers. If you want to help build organizations that last, read on for some of the top qualities needed in successful senior-level managers.
1. Vision and Commitment
To create a company that survives and thrives, top executives must have vision. Successful CEOs and other top-level managers need to be clear on the long-term goals of a business, and be the keeper and advocate for the company’s vision and mission.
It’s imperative that they have an understanding of what needs to be done to stay on course. This way they can avoid being distracted by new fads, additional goals, or extra output that doesn’t really help the firm to get where it needs to be for long-term success. An ability to keep a strategic outlook that doesn’t get waylaid by unnecessary details can make all the difference to a company’s lasting presence in a market.
Leaders who demonstrate success in this area show themselves to have a clear and unwavering focus on the company’s vision, while at the same type staying up to date on key trends and developments in the firm’s industry. They know how to sense when markets are beginning to change, and are committed to taking the business down a set path.
2. Resilience and Decisiveness
To stay the course, CEOs also need a good supply of stamina — resilience is the key to getting through the often challenging times of being a firm’s leader. Successful leaders must have the ability to cope with high levels of stress, and to do so without letting their stress impact on the company’s staff members. This trait often helps them to inspire a team and tends to lead to higher levels of productivity and innovation.
A good manager must be able to make difficult decisions in a timely manner. This is important in both good times and in bad, and will enable a company to not only stay afloat but also grow. CEOs must have the confidence in themselves and the business that helps them stick to the firm’s vision, and to make the tough decisions that are part of the job. Top leaders don’t hesitate to act when they must, while at the same time have the confidence to listen to suggestions from others.
3. Hire and Utilize the Right People
Another key trait of successful CEOs is an ability to bring on board the right new people at the right time to grow the business. This shows that a manager doesn’t have an issue with surrounding themselves with personnel who are smarter and/or more experienced in particular fields, and that they are in fact focused on the success of the business.
Top talent bring many strengths to a business, including fresh eyes, commitment, passion and experience. Utilizing key staff members fosters an innovative culture and goes a long way to ensuring a company stays competitive in its marketplace.
Apart from being able to pick the right people for a team, successful leaders also have to know how to delegate effectively. After all, there’s no point hiring willing and eager new personnel and then not making use of their talents. CEOs who can avoid wasting time on tasks that can be just as adequately handled by others will have a much bigger impact in their role.
4. Communication and Collaboration
Extraordinary leaders are also known to be brilliant communicators and collaborators. They speak honestly yet with empathy, and build relationships with people in all areas of a business, as well as network effectively with contacts outside the company. Successful senior-level managers know how to break down a vision and company goals to their team.
Top CEOs are also renowned for encouraging collaboration in the workplace. Rather than acting as dictators, they instead encourage their team to suggest new ideas and strategies, and to keep on pushing boundaries in a bid for innovation. A collaborative leadership style makes each person feel like they matter and are part of the larger “whole” of the business. This goes a long way to creating a positive and innovative workplace that produces result.
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