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What is the quickest route to the top of an organization? What early steps should I take to make that journey relatively painless? Who should I ask for help to get me there? How do I effectively network with executives? Once I become an executive, what are the new skills I need to develop? Can someone tell me if the journey is really worth it in the end?
As Vice-Chairman of CTPartners, one of the world’s largest retained executive search firms, I speak with business leaders around the world on a daily basis. During those conversations, I have uncovered answers to these questions. Some of these are known only to those that have had the courage to fail on their journey to the c-suite. I have met very few successful executives that have not stumbled once or twice on that journey. It is abundantly clear that there is no elevator to the top. However, that unsteady climb to the pinnacle of an organization, despite the stumbles, or more to the point, as a result of those stumbles, is filled with invaluable lessons for any aspiring executive.
Obviously management and leadership are disciplines that have been discussed for decades in business schools, seminars and conferences. There are even a few good blogs that are dedicated to leadership but I’ve found few places where you can learn the lessons of leadership directly from executives that have climbed up that greasy pole and are willing to share stories of both their successes and failures.
That is the premise of this blog – to share lessons with you that come directly from business leaders around the world. I, along with my partners around the world, will post articles based on actual conversations with executives that are willing to share lessons with all of you. These are true leaders – ones that have made it to the top and are now willing to give back to the corporate community; to help build the next generation of leaders.
I want to create a community of leaders – both in the making and ones who are already at the top. This blog will be updated periodically. Please visit frequently and add your comments to share with the business world. Feel free to suggest topics that we should discuss with our CEO friends around the world. The leaders of today and tomorrow will thank you for it.
