Executive Coach at University of Maryland - A. James Clark School of Engineering
Answered a year ago
Read broadly, think critically, and be intentional about your influences. Start by reading widely-not just business books but also history, biographies, and analyses of great leaders. This gives you a broader perspective and helps you learn from others' successes and failures. Then, find a mentor within the company, someone respected and knowledgeable. Be open to their advice and willing to accept constructive criticism-it's a powerful way to grow. Next, cultivate curiosity and focus on learning continuously. Curiosity keeps you adaptable, and learning keeps you sharp. Lastly, avoid the traps of office politics: stay away from gossip and negativity. Seek out the people who inspire and challenge you; they'll keep you grounded and driven.
An employee I mentored was preparing for leadership and focused heavily on hitting targets, but their team was showing signs of burnout. I advised them to step back, listen, and prioritize building trust with their team over driving results. When they shifted their focus to supporting their people, the team became more motivated, and their performance improved naturally. It was a reminder that great leadership starts with valuing and empowering those you lead.
When guiding a high-potential employee toward an executive role, I often tell them that adaptability and empathy are their best tools. I remember when I was shifting gears from roles like Civey and N26 to a more strategic position at Deloitte. My old mentor mentioned that being adaptable wasn't just about reacting to change but anticipating it. This piece of wisdom struck a chord with me then, and it still does. To this day, I coach our rising stars at spectup to embrace change and to stay curious, as that's where true leadership blossoms. We had one team member who was on the brink of leading a major project, and I encouraged them to look beyond metrics and numbers, and to really listen to their team's concerns and ideas. By valuing each voice, they not only excelled in managing the project but also earned the respect and loyalty of their peers. So, if there's one nugget of advice I'd pass on, it's that leaders aren't just decision-makers-they're also bridge builders who turn individual efforts into a harmonious collective success.
I always tell aspiring leaders to "think like the customer and lead like the mentor." This means staying grounded in customer needs while nurturing the growth of their team. One high-potential employee struggled with delegation, so I encouraged her to involve others in decision-making while focusing on strategy. I reminded her that leadership isn't about doing everything but enabling others to shine. Over time, she grew more confident in guiding the team and became an excellent role model. Leadership is a journey, and the best advice often involves balancing empathy with accountability. That combination creates impactful leaders.
One key piece of advice I've given to a high-potential employee preparing for an executive role is to develop a strategic mindset. It's important to think beyond day-to-day tasks and focus on the bigger picture of the business-understanding how different departments and decisions impact the overall brand. In the fashion industry, this means looking at trends, consumer behavior, and long-term growth strategies, not just immediate sales or marketing efforts. I also encouraged them to embrace leadership by example-mentoring others and fostering a positive, collaborative environment. As an executive, you're not just managing tasks, but inspiring and guiding your team. For example, when this employee began leading small projects, I advised them to think about the long-term vision and how each project could align with broader business goals. This shift in perspective prepared them for greater responsibility.
One of the most important pieces of advice I've given to someone preparing for an executive role is to prioritize building genuine relationships with both clients and team members. During my journey leading OneStop Northwest, I've seen how trust and engagement lead to increased productivity and client satisfaction. For instance, our change with a small startup resulted in a 300% increase in online revenue-an achievement grounded in personalized strategies and relationship-building. I also emphasize the significance of feedback loops within an organization. At OneStop Northwest, ongoing feedback from clients during the project lifecycle has been crucial. It allows us to refine our services and adapt swiftly to market needs, much like when we helped a larger client cut operational costs by 20%. Encouraging open lines of communication can foster innovation and prepare you to handle high-pressure situations effectively.
When preparing a high-potential employee for an executive role, I stress the importance of cutting through the noise with clarity and authenticity. During my time building Redfox Visual, compelling messaging helped us stand out. It's crucial to focus on creating clear and direct communication that aligns with the brand's values, as seen with our work with The Idaho Lottery, where straightforward, engaging content boosted engagement. I've also emphasized the significance of balancing creativity and practicality. In reestablishing The Rohg Agency, I realized the power of understanding client needs deeply and crafting solutions accordingly. For instance, ditching generic offerings and focusing on custom, high-impact design and SEO strategies led to a remarkable resurgence in client satisfaction and agency success. Encourage team members to combine innovative thinking with actionable execution for impactful results.When preparing a high-potential employee for an executive role, I stress the importance of cutting through the noise with clarity and authenticity. During my time building Redfox Visual, compelling messaging helped us stand out. It's crucial to focus on creating clear and direct communication that aligns with the brand's values, as seen with our work with The Idaho Lottery, where straightforward, engaging content boosted engagement. I've also emphasized the significance of balancing creativity and practicality. In reestablishing The Rohg Agency, I realized the power of understanding client needs deeply and crafting solutions accordingly. For instance, ditching generic offerings and focusing on custom, high-impact design and SEO strategies led to a remarkable resurgence in client satisfaction and agency success. Encourage team members to combine innovative thinking with actionable execution for impactful results.
One piece of advice I often give to high-potential employees preparing for an executive role is to actively seek out diverse experiences within the organization. This means not only excelling in their current role but also volunteering for cross-functional projects, participating in leadership training, and engaging in mentorship opportunities. By broadening their skill set and understanding different aspects of the business, they can develop a more holistic view of the organization. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of building strong relationships across departments. Networking with colleagues from various functions allows them to gain insights into different challenges and perspectives, which is crucial for effective leadership. This approach not only enhances their adaptability but also positions them as well-rounded candidates for future leadership roles.
One piece of advice I've imparted to a high-potential employee preparing for an executive role is to cultivate a data-driven mindset. At SuperDupr, I've implemented data-driven strategies that have consistently delivered measurable results for our clients. By understanding and intetpreting data effectively, we've transformed client satisfaction and operational efficiency. An aspiring executive should prioritize learning tools that facilitate such analysis to drive informed decision-making. Another key piece of advice is to focus on building and nurturing a diverse and talented team. I've witnessed the impact this has had at SuperDupr, where cultivating an inclusive culture of excellence and innovation has been vital. Encourage your team to share their ideas and insights, creating a collaborative environment where everyone's contributions drive the company forward. This not only propels business success but also prepares you for the complex dynamics of executive leadership.
I recently advised one of my rising behavioral health directors to spend time working directly with different departments, from admissions to finance, rather than just focusing on clinical expertise. This hands-on exposure helped her understand how decisions impact the entire organization and gave her confidence in making executive-level choices about staffing and program development.
Understanding financial acumen is essential. I advised them to invest time in learning how to read and interpret financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. This knowledge is vital for making informed strategic decisions and grasping the organization's financial health. To support this learning, I recommended they collaborate closely with the finance team, possibly shadowing a financial analyst or attending finance meetings for practical insights. I also encouraged them to enroll in relevant courses or workshops to improve their financial literacy. Mastering these skills, they can play a more significant role in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning discussions, which are key aspects of an executive position. This preparation not only builds their confidence in managing financial issues but also enhances their credibility and decision-making abilities as a future leader.
The most valuable guidance I've shared is to focus on building genuine relationships with both team members and property owners, rather than just chasing deals. I learned this firsthand when I started mentoring my top performer - watching her develop trust with clients and staff showed me she had what it takes to move into leadership.
One of the best pieces of advice I have given to a high potential team member preparing for an executive role is to focus on proactive big picture thinking while staying rooted in the day to day tasks that make a business thrive. When I noticed this employee was great with clients and had strong technical skills I encouraged them to shift their perspective from just handling jobs well to anticipating client needs and market trends before they became obvious. This change was essential for them to start thinking like a leader rather than just a doer. For instance in our gardening business understanding seasonal plant behavior is crucial. I advised them to study not just the tasks at hand but also the cyclical changes in plant health garden design trends and evolving client preferences. This broader view enabled them to make recommendations that increased client satisfaction and long term loyalty. Having over 15 years in gardening and landscaping I could guide them through this transition by sharing examples from my own experiences of anticipating client needs. This includes things like suggesting drought resistant plants ahead of a dry season or introducing sustainable practices before clients even asked for them. My background as a certified horticulturist helped me spot these shifts early on and taught me that a proactive approach builds trust and credibility. Passing on this mindset combined with an eye for practical solutions set them up to not only handle their responsibilities effectively but also to make executive level decisions that aligned with the company's growth. This advice gave them the confidence to lead with foresight and a deep understanding of client satisfaction positioning them well for a future leadership role.
As the CEO of Surface Kingz, I've found that preparing high-potential employees for executive roles requires a multifaceted approach. One piece of advice I consistently give is to develop a strategic mindset. This means looking beyond day-to-day operations and understanding how decisions impact the entire organization. At Surface Kingz, we encourage our rising stars to immerse themselves in all aspects of our business, from sales and marketing to operations and finance. This broad exposure helps them grasp the interconnectedness of different departments and how they contribute to our overall success in the surface preparation industry. I often tell our high-potentials, "To lead effectively, you must see the forest and the trees." This means balancing attention to detail with big-picture thinking. In our line of work, whether we're dealing with concrete grinding or floor polishing, understanding both the technical specifics and the broader market trends is essential. Another key piece of advice is to cultivate emotional intelligence. As they move up the ranks at Surface Kingz, leaders need to inspire and motivate teams, manage conflicts, and build relationships with clients and partners. I encourage them to practice active listening and empathy, skills that are just as important as technical knowledge in our industry. We also emphasize the importance of adaptability. The surface preparation sector is constantly evolving with new technologies and techniques. I tell our high-potentials, "The only constant in our business is change. Embrace it, don't fear it." This mindset helps them stay ahead of industry trends and lead innovation within our company. Lastly, I stress the value of building a strong network both within and outside Surface Kingz. Connections with industry peers, suppliers, and even competitors can provide valuable insights and opportunities. As I often say, "In the world of surface preparation, your network is your net worth." Dana Thurmond, CEO at Surface Kingz
Network, network, network. Your professional network is one of the most important resources you bring to any job, especially in the executive space. A strong stable of professional contacts gives you a sounding board for your ideas and your frustrations, a way to learn about new opportunities, a pool of talented candidates to hire, and a great way to find out about job openings. Thank you for the chance to contribute to this piece! If you do choose to quote me, please refer to me as Nick Valentino, VP of Market Operations of Bellhop.
Stop chasing perfection and start prioritizing momentum-great leaders make tough calls with 80% of the information and adapt as more unfolds. Hesitation, born of perfectionism, can paralyze a team, so embrace a bias for action without fearing mistakes. I've always said, "Progress, not perfection, keeps the wheels turning," and this mindset separates doers from decision-makers.
One crucial piece of advice I give high-potential employees aiming for executive roles is to focus on mastering impactful self-talk. After overcoming battles with alcoholism and depression, I know how negative thinking limits progress. By flipping the script on self-talk, you cultivate a powerful mindset, which is invaluable when leading teams and navigating uncertainty. For instance, in guiding men through tough transitioms, I've seen how positive affirmations can reshape reality and drive better results. Additionally, I emphasize the need to align personal values with career goals. During my journey of personal and professional fulfillment, understanding my intrinsic motivations led me to success and legacy-building. I encourage leaders to work on finding their core values and ensure their actions align with them. This not only improves personal fulfillment but inspires others to follow a visionary leader who leads with integrity.
From my experience, one piece of advice I've given to high-potential employees is to cultivate resilience through adaptability. While managing projects as a construction manager, I learned that unexpected obstacles often arise, requiring swift adaptation to maintain project timelines and quality. For instance, during a significant construction endeavor, encountering unforeseen weather delays taught us to effectively shift resources and adjust schedules, ultimately leading to timely completion and client satisfaction. Another key insight is leveraging diverse experiences to innovate. My career transition from a network engineer to a writer exemplifies the power of combining varied skill sets to approach challenges creatively. In roofing, integrating technical expertise with project management skills proved invaluable in crafting solutions that bridged technological and practical needs, like improving communication systems in construction workflows. Encourage them to accept continual learning and seek cross-disciplinary knowledge. In construction, understanding IT systems allowed me to streamline processes and improve efficiency, proving that broadening one's expertise not only prepares them for leadership but fosters innovative thinking.
I tell high-potential employees to focus on mastering clear, straightforward communication. In our line of work, whether explaining complex repair details to a homeowner or coordinating large-scale projects, clear communication builds trust and avoids costly mistakes. I once advised a top-performing technician aiming for a leadership role to start practicing this by simplifying his explanations in team meetings, making sure everyone, from field staff to office support, was on the same page. It's the difference between knowing a solution yourself and being able to rally a team around it. Communication isn't just a skill; it's a cornerstone of effective leadership.
When preparing a high-potential employee for an executive role, I emphasize the importance of leveraging data analytics to drive strategic decisions. During a project for a global enterprise, I analyzed CRM data that led to significant improvements in the sales process and reduced cycle times. Understanding and using data allows executives to make informed decisions quickly and stay ahead of the curve. Another key piece of advice is the value of cross-departmental collaboration. Leading a remote team of 14 for a complete website change taught me the importance of aligning conflicting priorities among stakeholders. This skill significantly impacts financial outcomes and operational efficiency, which is critical for anyone stepping into an executive role. Balancing diverse perspectives while keeping project goals in view is what leads to sustainable success.