Whether you are preparing to become a business leader, (CEO/President/GM), or are operating as one now, the environment, responsibilities, expectations, and pressures are vastly different in scope and intensity from those related to running a department as a (VP/C-title.)  Additionally, being a business leader sets you in the center of an entirely new group of constituents who are observing, evaluating, and judging you against their expectations and priorities.  

 

If you are preparing to assume a business leader role, it is essential you employ a thoughtful approach. One highly effective approach is to compare your current competencies against those you’ll need in the new role. This will allow you to see where you are most and least prepared so you can direct your efforts accordingly. There are five business competencies to evaluate: knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and relationships. 

 

If you are already performing in a new role, consider preparing a one year “transition plan” to capture your vision and set your priorities. It should direct your efforts in evaluating the organization’s goals, strategies, operating performance, culture, and more. It should also define goals and actions for managing your key constituent relationships: employees, customers, partners, suppliers, investors, and media. To be effective, the plan must set specific milestones: day one, week one, month one, quarter one, etc.