Five Ways to Get Managers Ready for Enterprise-wide Leadership

Although you have certainly proven yourself as a functional manager, are you ready to take on a broader and more complex leadership role?

Here is a checklist of steps you can take to prepare yourself for success in largerleadership role when the time is right:

1. Get Experience Early.  Volunteer for cross-functional projects so you get experience working with different departments. Effective leaders develop the “matrix skills” required to influence across functional boundaries.
2. Think International.  Welcome the opportunity for an overseas assignment if your organization is international in scope.  Seasoned leaders understand global issues and implications.
3. Strive to Continuously Improve.  Build the additional leadership  competencies that you need for a more demanding leadership position through an action-learning or executive development program where you will learn about business acumen, change management, organizational architecture, business processes, etc.
4. Apprentice for Mentors.  Work on or with a senior management team to observe and gain practical knowledge from the experts.  If such an opportunity does not exist within your company, then non-profits or internal project committees are a great place to start.
5. Expand Your Network.  Seek exposure to key stakeholders like investors and key clients.  Successful leaders know how to handle both well.  This includes getting experience working with the media so you can answer questions and present with confidence.

Leading at a higher level requires thoughtful preparation over time. If you start now, you will be ready with that opportunity for promotion comes.