Career Strategy Scenarios
Those on executive teams often have goals and ambitions to be the CEO of the organization. You may be such an individual. Once a speaker colleague was trying to decide what to speak about to a group. She made this comment, “I don’t know if these people even have dreams.” My head spun around about 3600. What? Everyone has dreams. But even some executives will sell their own teammates short thinking that they are the only one on the team with the CEO dream. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is dangerous territory. Why?
When considering that you are the only one with ambitious goals, you may well have slumped into complacency not to mention being a bone head. Sorry, it had to be said. This type of thinking tells me that both you and my colleague have no empathy for or are not reading the pulse of others, even the ones on your own team. Everyone has dreams of some sort. Maybe they aren’t the dream of becoming a CEO, but they may want to use their position to obtain other dreams. If you find yourself with these types of thoughts, here are some ideas to help get you back on track.
Scenarios. Yes, scenarios. Think about how your career might look if each one of your executive team members were to become the CEO of your organization. Consider these scenarios:
Executive A: Not a chance! Would you immediately begin looking for other opportunities outside the organization? Now the questions become is my resume up to date? Have I kept up my skills and attributes to look for a higher level position or even one that might be lateral, but that presents more opportunities?
Executive B: Yes! This is an individual you wouldn’t mind working with and you feel this teammate would utilize your talents and you would grow with the organization. Now ask, what talents and attributes can I bring to the table that this individual doesn’t have? How can I contribute to this team member’s vision while building my resume for the next step?
Executive D: Maybe. This one may be where you have to take a wait-see attitude. But again, you must have your resume at the ready. This is where your networking becomes extremely important as you may decide to leave at a moment’s notice.
Executive E: You: Oh well, of course. Think about the changes you would make in the organization and if your current teammates have the talent you need. This can get sticky. Are you prepared to terminate a long-time colleague? Would you be prepared to move someone up, down, or laterally? Are you prepared to make tough decisions not only about talent but about the direction and maybe even change the vison of the organization? Would the current team share and support that vision?
As you can see, there are many scenarios to consider in managing your career. What kind of scenarios do you need to review? Every scenario can have a big impact on your future. It’s important for you to take the time to review as many possible scenarios as possible in order to help you be more strategic about your executive career.
Thank you for reading this blog. If you have strategic career questions, call 404-320-7834, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.performstrat.com
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