Senior managers have different career concerns than people lower down the organization. They are likely to be able individuals who have mastered the basics of career management, and may have got to their current position by driving hard for results. As they approach the top of the tree, different career issues emerge.
Senior managers are often concerned about limited opportunities at Director level, which can lead them to be competitive where they should be collaborative with their peers. It becomes critically important that they understand what people at the most senior level are looking for, and the kind of experience and skills that mark someone out as a Director candidate.
To be a candidate for a Director role, people commonly need to:
- Become visible to the Board through value-adding initiatives
- Master the art of visible leadership to employees
- Take on tough commercial challenges and that involve accountability for profit and loss
- Tackle any narrowness of experience or lack of understanding of the customer or areas of the business
- Understand their own motivations and how they add value through their personal strengths
They may also need to query whether a Directorship is for them, and if not, how they can continue to be inspired by taking ownership of new initiatives in fields that they love, and learning, growing and contributing.
Talent & Potential run Drive Your Career! – Senior Manager for small groups of senior people with potential. Prior to running these, we conduct short interviews with the CEO and at least 2 Directors, and create a mindmap and document full of quotes that paint a picture of what a Director’s role involves and the qualities that the CEO wants to encourage. We also speak individually with participants to understand their career issues.
The programme typically involves 3-4 modules run 3 weeks apart, often following the format of 1.5 – 2 hour sessions followed by dinner with a Director. Motivation Profiling is carried out, with an expert-written short report followed up by a 1-to-1 session – this will crystallize how each person adds value and their ideal role, and backs this up with career tactics that will best position them for career success. This information is useful for both the individual and for organisations wanting to retain their top talent.
Drive Your Career! – Senior Manager is individually researched and designed for your organisation.
Please contact us for details.
