A Roadmap to the C-Suite

 

Polly Meyer Executive Consulting, CEC-ICF

 

Reaching the coveted C-suite isn't just about climbing the ladder; it's about embodying exceptional leadership, foresight, and dedication. For many ambitious professionals, that final leap to the C-suite can feel like trying to catch a shooting star - dazzling but elusive.

But fear not, because I've got your back. Here's your roadmap to bridge that gap and claim your spot in the executive stratosphere.

  1. Embrace Strategic Thinking: Picture this - you're not just a manager anymore; you're the visionary architect of your company's future. To make that leap to the C-suite, start honing your strategic mindset. Dive deep into the business beyond your department's walls. Get involved in cross-departmental projects to broaden your perspective and make strategic decisions that move the needle.
  2. Cultivate Leadership Excellence: It's time to level up your leadership game. Leading a team is one thing, but inspiring an...
Continue Reading...

Leading with Purpose: Agility, Empathy, Resilience

In these transformative times, the essence of leadership is not just in the 'what' or the 'how', but profoundly in the 'why'. As leaders, our approach in this ever-evolving business landscape should be rooted in purpose, driving us towards agility, empathy, and resilience. Here's how we can embody these qualities in a meaningful way.

Agility: The Courage to Embrace Change

Understand that agility is less about speed and more about the grace of adapting to change. It's about being open-minded, listening to emerging trends, and being willing to alter paths for a greater good. Encourage your teams to view change not as a threat, but as an opportunity for growth and innovation.

Empathy: The Strength of Connection

True leadership is about people, and empathy is its heartbeat. It’s about genuinely understanding the world from your team's perspective, feeling their challenges and joys. This connection fosters trust and opens up avenues for genuine collaboration. Remember, a team that...

Continue Reading...

Navigating Crucial Moments: How Executive Coaches Empower Leaders to Shine

In the high-stakes environment of corporate leadership, every decision and action can have a profound impact. Executive coaches play a crucial role in guiding leaders to present the best version of themselves during make-or-break moments, ensuring they navigate these situations with confidence and poise. Here are five ways a coach can help you prepare for those make-or-break moments:

1. Enhancing Self-Presentation:
Executive coaches work with leaders to refine their communication skills, body language, and overall demeanor. This enables leaders to convey their thoughts and ideas effectively, build rapport, and establish a strong presence in crucial situations.

2. Building Emotional Intelligence:
Coaches help leaders develop emotional intelligence, allowing them to manage their emotions, understand others’ feelings, and respond appropriately in high-pressure scenarios. This fosters positive interactions and enhances leaders’ ability to influence and inspire.

3. Sharpening...

Continue Reading...

Beyond Burnout: A Leader's Overview of Self-Care Essentials

Self-Care: The Unspoken Game-Changer for Today's Leaders

In today’s fast-paced business world, where burnout is more common than coffee breaks, self-care isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. In 2023, a staggering 97% of Americans recognized the importance of self-care, yet more than half felt the pangs of burnout. As a leader, you might resonate with this.

When Self-Care Becomes Personal

Imagine this: It's been a relentless day; challenges haven't stopped coming at you, and you're nearly at your limit. In moments like these, do you opt for a quick fix or a reliable, long-term strategy? I must admit, there are evenings where I unwind with a glass of wine and dive into a series marathon on Netflix or lose myself in the endless scroll of social media. But the distraction is fleeting, leaving a void where there should be replenishment. These are impulsive responses to stress, not the thoughtful habits that build resilience and genuine contentment.

Redefining...

Continue Reading...

Networking in the Digital Age: Rediscovering the Power of Personal Connections

 In an age where digital connections are just a click away, it's ironic how isolated we often feel. Despite the ease of connecting online, there's a palpable hunger for more genuine, face-to-face interactions.

As we navigate this digital landscape, traditional networking has taken a back seat. Feedback from my clients reflects a strong desire to rejuvenate personal networks and establish meaningful connections.

Networking is way more than just climbing the career ladder—it's about making real, personal ties with others. Sure, you can kick things off on social media, but let’s be honest, it's those real, in-the-flesh chats that really stick with you.

So how can you make networking more meaningful? Find a hobby that overlaps with your professional interests. If you're a car enthusiast like my husband, Robert, attend local car shows and racing meetups. These settings provide a relaxed environment for genuine connections.

For sports fans, joining a local sports league...

Continue Reading...

What All Effective Leaders Have in Common

Uncategorized Oct 25, 2023

Ever wonder what sets the extraordinary leaders apart from the rest of the pack? Well, here's a hint—it's something you do every day. 

Its communicating. 

But it's not just about the words you say; it's about how you say them.

You see, in my line of work as an executive coach, I've had the privilege of working with some extraordinary leaders. And one thing that consistently separates the great from the exceptional is their ability to communicate with impact. 

Communicating effectively - this skill is your golden ticket to achieving remarkable results. 

Why Effective Communication Matters for Leaders 

Studies galore have shown that effective communication is the secret sauce of leadership success. It's not just about talking the talk, but walking the walk and bringing your team along with you. 

Here's the scoop from the research: 

1. Boosted Productivity: A study by the Project Management Institute (PMI) revealed that leaders who...

Continue Reading...

Negativity: The Quickest Way to Fail as a Project Manager

In the realm of project management, there lies a profound opportunity, one that resonates deeply with my philosophy: the chance to inspire and motivate your team.

Picture the incredible potential that resides within each member of your team. It's in understanding their innate strengths and providing feedback in a constructive and compassionate manner that you can ignite an unyielding belief in their capabilities.

Your role isn't just about managing projects; it's about cultivating a culture of perpetual development that urges your team to embrace challenges, undertake calculated risks, and relentlessly evolve.

Identify strengths: Take the time to delve into the unique strengths and skills of each member on your team. Recognize and honor their distinctive contributions and capabilities.

Offer constructive feedback: Be the kind of leader who delivers feedback that's not only specific and actionable but also delivered with a deep sense of empathy.

Concentrate on their strengths while...

Continue Reading...

Elevating Your Leadership: The Unfair Advantage of an Executive Coach

Imagine you're a skilled conductor leading an orchestra. Your role as a senior leader in a global organization is akin to conducting this complex symphony of business. You have a talented orchestra (your team), and the composition (your strategy) is intricate and demanding.

Without an executive coach, it's like conducting the symphony with your eyes closed. You have a deep understanding of music and your orchestra, but you might miss nuances, tempo changes, or potential  discordant notes. It's a fair effort, but it's challenging to bring out the best performance from your orchestra and the composition.
 
Now, picture your executive coach as a knowledgeable music critic who listens to your performance from the audience's perspective. They haven't necessarily conducted your symphony or played in your orchestra, but they bring an insightful and unbiased view. Their role is to provide feedback, suggest improvements, and help you interpret the composition in a fresh and...
Continue Reading...

Unlocking Your Potential: The Power of Saying No and Setting Boundaries for Female Executives

In the pursuit of success, female executives have made remarkable strides, breaking barriers and proving their capabilities. However, to truly compete with their male counterparts, it is essential for them to embrace the transformative power of saying no and setting boundaries. Here are three tips to use the power of "no" to unlock your potential:

Embracing Your Value:

Saying no and setting boundaries is not about being difficult or uncompromising; it is about recognizing and valuing your own worth. As female executives, we often feel compelled to accommodate everyone, sacrificing our own time and priorities. By saying no when necessary, we communicate our self-respect, assert our expertise, and ensure that our contributions align with our strategic goals. Remember, each time you say no, you affirm your value and create space for greater opportunities.

Nurturing Balance and Well-being:

To compete effectively, female executives must prioritize their well-being and cultivate a healthy...

Continue Reading...

From Pressure to Power: Navigating Burnout

I recently gave a workshop to a group of leaders who are in the news industry. I’d like to share one of the topics that resonated deeply with the attendees: navigating burnout and cultivating resilience.

As high-achieving professionals, we carry the weight of immense responsibilities, and the added challenges of balancing personal and professional lives can leave us feeling fatigued and depleted. Now, we can all rise to the occasion when called upon, but valiantly trudging through day after day - after day - meeting demands cannot be the ONLY option. Because exposure to chronic stress will lead us straight to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. 

So let's dig into a few strategies that'll help you thrive and prevent burnout.

1 As a senior leader, you may find yourself constantly striving for perfection in your work and decision-making. But can we take a moment to remember that perfection is an illusion? Embracing imperfections and setbacks is a valuable part of...

Continue Reading...
1 2 3 4 5
Close

50% Complete

Two Step

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.