Do you want to get the C-Suite? Nine steps to take now

Climbing the corporate ladder all the way to the top is a common goal of many high-performing professionals. No matter what step you’re on, there are steps you can take to reach that goal. From building a positive track record to taking leadership development training, there are a number of ways you can build the skills and experience needed to succeed in the C-suite.

Here, nine members of Council for Young Entrepreneurs share this advice and more, and recommend some of the steps a professional can take now if they want to be an attractive future candidate for the C-suite and why doing these things will help them achieve success.

1. Network with highly connected professionals

It is essential to build relationships with potential mentors and industry figures now. Networking builds credibility and trust, but forming real relationships with successful business people will help open doors to future opportunities. The key isn’t just exchanging business cards or holding coffee meetings; it’s about understanding how to add value to each other’s lives and careers. When you have a good relationship with highly connected individuals in the industry, you will not only become an attractive candidate for leadership positions, but you will also be able to leverage their resources when needed. Building these relationships takes time, so get going, get in touch and let people know who you are. – Syed Balky, WPB Beginner

2. Build a track record of success

Building a track record of success is critical for professionals who want to make it to the C-suite. C-suite executives are expected to have a history of delivering results and achieving success in their roles. It means taking on challenging projects, delivering results and continuously improving their skills and knowledge. One way to build a successful track record is to take on challenging projects that test one’s abilities and skills. This could be a high-profile project within the company or a volunteer or leadership role within a professional organization. By taking on these kinds of projects, professionals will show that they are able to handle complex and challenging situations and that they are willing to take on more responsibility. – Candice Georgiadis, Digital day

3. Develop excellent communication skills

You must build excellent communication skills. We are a professional services firm that provides HR and accounting professionals to businesses of all sizes. We must be able to communicate effectively and proactively as our customers run their businesses using the advice and strategies of our COOs and CFOs. Someone who is communicative knows how to bring out the best in people. They are able to lead and get people with ideas on board. They use their words to build consensus and explain what they need and when they need it. – Jennifer A Barnes, Optima Office, Inc.

4. Stay up to date with industry news

Most C-suite candidates are typically thought leaders who are always willing and able to contribute in a meaningful way to the company’s success. So if you want to make it to the C-suite, you have to prepare yourself to be that kind of person. One way to do that is by keeping up with the latest trends, updates and news about your industry. This requires your commitment to remain knowledgeable and relevant in your field. Try to read more every day. Be active in communities in your niche and follow the trends. This helps you stay relevant and know what’s happening in your industry. – Thomas Griffin, OptinMonster

5. Take leadership development training

C-suite roles demand creative and managerial skills from employees, and this is what leadership training is all about. For any professional who wants to reach the C-suite one day, taking leadership development training is a great place to start. Leadership training can take many forms and will equip you with the skills and knowledge for success in senior positions. It can be formal, such as attending seminars or workshops, or informal, such as shadowing another senior executive or assuming project leadership. It is also a starting point for the employee to understand their professional goals by tailoring action plans to achieve them. An employee with a clear professional vision is a desirable future candidate for the C-suite. – Tonya Bruce, Lead Beautiful, Inc.

6. Develop a selfless, fearless mindset

Aspiring executives who want to reach the C-suite must develop a selfless and fearless mindset when tackling business problems. C-level executives must prioritize the success of the company over their personal or team interests. To demonstrate this, consider sacrificing your own projects if they are of minimal significance to the company. To approach challenges objectively, try to detach from the situation and view it as an outsider. Adopting a clear and rational perspective on business challenges will increase your chances of becoming a key decision maker. – Miles Jennings, Recruiter. com

7. Sharpen your people’s skills

A professional who wants to reach the C-suite should start by honing their people skills. Building strong relationships with colleagues and clients is essential in any field, but especially in senior management positions. Developing interpersonal skills, such as active listening, empathy and collaboration, can show future employers that you have the ability to lead a team, have difficult conversations and think outside the box. Learning how to interact effectively with others not only builds your own confidence, but it also helps you stand out from other candidates when it comes time to apply for C-suite positions. – Blair Williams, MemberPress

8. Build a strong personal brand

If a professional wants to make it to the C-suite one day, they need to start building a strong personal brand now. Creating a personal brand establishes you as an authority in your industry and showcases your unique value proposition. This will make you stand out as an attractive candidate for future C-suite positions. Building a personal brand involves consistently sharing valuable insights, building relationships, and creating a consistent image across all your digital platforms. Having a strong personal brand will set you up for success because it shows potential employers that you have a clear understanding of your strengths, that you are passionate about your industry, and that you are able to communicate your value effectively. to take. – Abhijeet Kaldate, Astra WordPress theme

9. Become an expert in your field

The most important element of being a C-suite candidate is to become an expert in your field. Most C-suite candidates have been in their jobs for 10 years or more, so it’s important to stay in one field, preferably with one company. All someone aspiring to that level can do to prepare is choose a field and career that they know they will commit to for the long haul and become exceptionally good at. You’ll need to surpass others in expertise and work ethic, so keep that consistency. – Baruch Labunski, Rank safe