Are you interested in becoming a high-level executive? If so, you'll need to have the right qualifications and skills to make it to the C-suite. Our research has revealed that the requirements for C-level positions have shifted towards business acumen and “softer leadership skills”, with technical skills being the bare minimum. To be successful as a top executive, you must possess excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic thinking skills. This trend towards general business orientation rather than functional orientation is likely to continue.
For example, an executive director would now have a CIO to provide insight into expanding to a new market and how the company's systems could support that expansion. The CIO would need to be able to answer questions about the challenges and long-term impact of the IT expenses associated with the expansion. In addition, effective top managers need communication skills at the senior management level. They must be able to communicate with people at all levels of an organization, including having presentation skills beyond just slide presentations. Being able to persuade and influence others is an invaluable skill for any executive and should be reflected in all forms of communication. If you're serious about becoming a C-suite executive, you should start by earning a degree in business administration and then continuing your education with a master's degree in management and leadership.
Having a higher level of education can demonstrate to companies that you have the necessary experience in the field.
