Getting To The Top

The skills and strengths that sent your career soaring aren’t the same ones you’ll need to survive and thrive in the executive ranks. That’s why 40 percent of new leaders don’t last more than 18 months. So how can you beat the odds? Let go of old beliefs and behaviours—and pick up new ones.

Let go of self-doubt. An insecure executive makes a lousy leader. Put confidence in your presence and purpose—even if it doesn’t come naturally at first.

Let go of running flat-out until you crash. Working 24/7 may have made you a superstar. Keep it up at the top—where the expectations are enormous—and you’ll burn out. Break the cycle by building time for recovery and renewal into your schedule.

Let go of one-size-fits-all communication. Customise every message for the group and goals at hand. Less is more, so become a master of the headline.

Let go of self-reliance. Replace “me” with “we.” You may have advanced on your own, but now you’re only as good as your team.

Let go of the urge to tell “how.” No more micromanaging. Set the agenda for what gets done and leave the how to your team.

Let go of responsibility. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Responsibility for a few results belongs to your team. Accountability for many results belongs to you.

Let go of only looking up and down. There’s more to consider than what’s up with the boss or what’s going down with the subordinates. Look left and right, too. Partnerships with peers are key to success.

Let go of an inside-out view. An internal perspective may have served you in the past, but not now. Lead with an outside-in view by understanding the issues in the external environment.

Let go of the small footprint. Your days of being “low-profile” are over. At the top, you act and speak on behalf of your entire company. Mind your manners—and your messages.

Getting To The Top