Those that make it to the top of the organizational hierarchy often possess a set of distinct skills, including good people management and balance of vision and operations, according to Cassandra Frangos, EdD, an executive development advisor for MIT Sloan Executive Education in a May 18 article from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management.
Here are the five key traits found in C-suite executives:
- Results-oriented: C-suite leaders tend to focus on metrics and getting things done, as well as making a strong impact on business.
- People-leaders: They understand how to help employees grow as well as hold them accountable.
- Multifaceted stakeholders: These leaders don't only think about themselves but the whole group of people they are responsible for, including their peers, employees or external stakeholders.
- Balance of strategy and operations: They know how to think long term about the success of their organization as well as balance urgent short-term tasks.
- Inclusivity: These leaders think actively about how to build and nurture a more diverse workforce.