Tips to Stay Grounded at the Top of the Ladder
How to achieve the pinnacle of business success is an age old conundrum that’s usually high on our social awareness agenda. Think Two Broke Girls, The Secret of My Success, there’s even a Broadway show about it. Sure, the simple adage “hard work pays off” is true. We should believe that if we set our sights on a lofty goal and put in the time/effort, we can achieve the highest level of success. And with management development programs like Hajoca Corporation’s, this noble notion can be a reality just a few years into your career.
Twenty years ago, hearing “CEO” would likely call to mind an image of a distinguished, untouchable and, shall we say, salt and pepper haired individual; a shadowy figure on the phone in a glass fortress with multiple assistants guarding the perimeter. Someone who would strike fear and awe in subordinates with the mere mention of a face-to-face meeting.
But that mold is broken now. Age, gender, social / financial status, wardrobe, even the existence of an office; these are just some of the variables that shape a business leader today. The 20-something in the polo shirt, sneakers and 5 o’clock shadow is quite possibly revolutionizing an industry. Or the quiet woman in jeans sitting next to you on the bus might just be running her own business.
There’s no room for arrogance on the top floor. Intellect and confidence are extremely powerful tools for a rising leader and they will take you far. Ask any number of headhunters what characteristics are a must for a top business executive and these two will surely be on the list. But if you expect to be treated with respect, yet you lack humility yourself, odds are your career will suffer. Whether the economy is strong or struggling, you are best to check your ego at the door and lead by humble example.
Avoid power hunger: nourish from the roots. The most effective leaders understand that success is best achieved with a harmonious, motivated team. No one person can do it alone in a complex and fast-paced business world. A store manager does well when the sales associates exceed their monthly targets. A communications director is applauded if the account executive lands a big article in the newspaper. Consensus and partnership must be embraced from the top.
Failure is OK; it’s how you recover that matters. Perhaps you have always done well in school, extracurriculars, socially. Because of this, you most likely have a charisma that naturally draws people in. This will take you far in life, but it may not help you in business since mistakes are bound to happen and you will lack the tools necessary to rebound. Don’t be afraid to fail. Every instance of bouncing back will give you extraordinary lessons for a bright future.
Bottom line: there is no stereotype for the CEO’s job anymore. Anyone smart, passionate, driven and resourceful can apply. But no matter how long it takes to rise to the top, once you get there it’s important to keep a solid footing on the ground.