How To Make It As A Global Business Leader
Fancy yourself the next Jamie Dimon, Mary Barra or Bob Iger?
It’s a difficult journey to the top of any business, requiring hard work, long hours and some serious commitment.
But there are some simple moves you can take early on in your career that can help set you apart from the crowd, according to global leadership development agency the Center for Creative Leadership.
1. Take chances on your career early on when the stakes are lower
Aspiring leaders should use the early part of their career to build a “portfolio of experiences” in different types of work, said Puri, noting that is when financial and familial commitments are typically at their lowest.
2. Move out of your home country and work abroad to gain insight into different markets
“Don’t go away for two months, that’s just a holiday. You need to go away for at least two years,” Puri said. He added that studies suggest two years is the minimum length of time needed to gain a proper understanding of a different culture.
More than half of today’s C-suite executives have international experience, according to CCL’s latest report on global leadership. Despite the recent wave of “pseudo-nationalism” in some countries, Puri said that having an international outlook would only become more important for the next generation of aspiring leaders.
3. Work on building core characteristics, such as courage, curiosity and credibility
Developing such traits will make it easier to make difficult decisions and deal with the crises that leaders inevitably face, Puri explained. Plus, they’re admirable personal characteristics and will earn respect among colleagues.
4. Lead communication within the workplace and develop your presenting skills
Staff who are vocal and willing to drive new ideas are far more likely to be recognized by their senior colleagues and be considered for opportunities further down the line, Puri said. He advised stepping up to professional presenting tasks wherever possible, as well as initiating new projects.
5. Focus more on strategy rather than execution
Rather than just looking at “how” to do things, aspiring leaders should think about “why” they are doing them, noted Puri. “To operate as a global leader, executives need to understand the big picture, the long term scenarios, the global implications of actions, the enterprise strategy, etc.,” he said.