Whether you are a company founder or a senior member of the workforce, executive leadership skills can help you be an effective manager. Executives are often responsible for overseeing a company’s operations and developing initiatives to improve productivity. Several key competencies are essential for executives to possess, including communication, leadership and time management.
This edWebinar, hosted by Michael Toebe, author of The Effective Executive, discusses the skills necessary to be an effective executive and provides tips for overcoming common challenges.
The first practice is concentration: effective executives think through the problem at hand, then concentrate on it in large enough slices to work. They avoid the temptation to “put everything on hold,” as Jack Welch did when he was preparing a report that required three weeks to complete.
When they do decide to multitask, effective executives are aware that each task is only a small part of the job at hand. They realize that in a multitasking situation, they will not be able to devote the necessary attention to each task and that the result will be inferior.
Effective executives try to focus on jobs that they can do particularly well. They also realize that enterprises perform only if top management does, not if all the employees do. They seek out feedback that will help them know if they are on track with their tasks.
They also look to the future when making decisions. They do not waste their time worrying about how to put out a fire, but instead, take the initiative in preventing forest fires by banning flammable materials near campfires. They are also concerned with nurturing the energy of their superiors. This will allow them to move more quickly in responding to significant changes in the working environment.
Another important characteristic of effective executives Mark Morabito is the ability to delegate. They have a clear understanding of the abilities of their team members and can assign projects to those who are best suited to them. This allows them to maintain a faster pace and enables employees to feel involved in the success of the company.
Lastly, they are able to organize productive meetings and create an effective framework for communication within the company. They may implement work sessions before general meetings to review and discuss topics, or they may set specific goals for their employees that are measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.
By following these simple strategies, executives can become more efficient and improve their company’s bottom line. By focusing on the most important issues, establishing good communication channels and delegating responsibilities to those who are capable of handling them, they can ensure their companies’ long-term success. Peter F. Drucker, one of the most influential writers on management, has outlined numerous practices and principles for becoming an effective executive. His ideas are still relevant in today’s business environment. By following his advice, you can be an effective leader and provide your employees with a strong foundation for success in the workplace.