What are some tips for transitioning from management to an executive role in the Strategy field? (2024)

Transitioning from a manager to an executive requires a shift in mindset, skills, and responsibilities.1. Cultivate a Strategic Mindset: Move beyond tactical execution to the broader context. Know long-term goals, market trends, and how your department aligns with the company's.2. Hone Leadership Skills: Executives are leaders who inspire and guide. Focus on improving communication, emotional intelligence, and decision-making. Learn to motivate, delegate, and foster collaboration.3. Expand Business Acumen: Executives need a comprehensive understanding of the business. This broader perspective will inform your decisions and benefit the company. In addition, seek mentorship, strategic networking, and be ready to take calculated risks.

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The mantra is "What got you here, will not get you there". The skills that made you a successful manager are no longer sufficient to land you the next job. As a manager, you are transaction/project-oriented, and manage a timeline, a team, a budget, and problems. As an executive, you must excel in soft skills like managing ambiguity, scenario planning, managing stakeholders, negotiation, and motivation to mention a few.

Transitioning from a management role to an executive one, particularly in the strategy domain, necessitates a profound understanding of the divergences between these levels. It's about comprehending the breadth and depth of decision-making, where executives often navigate through more complex, high-stake, and far-reaching strategic choices. Familiarising oneself with the nuanced responsibilities, expectations, and challenges inherent to executive roles becomes a vital starting point in this upward journey.

The transition from a manager to a strategy executive requires a deep understanding of the entire organization and the players in the affected value chain. Part of this executive role is to shed light on sensitive areas which may cause different reaction of the status quo. As in this transition, you will affect others, it is critical to be a diplomat whiles maintaining a very simple, step-by-step approach so as to advance without always rocking the boat.

The best advice I got when I moved into C-suite and board director roles was that I needed to become a “nose-in, fingers-out” leader.What that meant was even though an operational manager or action officer was going to do something differently than I may have done, I always needed to give them the space to execute their own plan.It was a matter of driving strategy and direction - as opposed to dictating execution and operations.It’s a skill I still seek feedback on from managers in any organization. I ask open-ended questions and I seek detail on how well managers understand their business - but I always have to fight that urge to “just do it myself.”Executive roles require shaping culture and strategy, not executing operations.

3 for executive leadership1️⃣ Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Strategy at the C-suite or board of directors level requires working with a whole ecosystem of customers, team members, partners, ownership or equity interests, finance, and all kinds of external stakeholders including media and government. 2️⃣ Finance: Learning how finance and accounting works is critical. We don’t need to be CPAs, but we do need to know basics of financial accounting like balance sheets, income statements, cash flow, and cap tables. 3️⃣ Communications: As an executive leader we find that our conversations, our leadership by example, and our written communications are the most valuable tools we have. Refining our ability to leverage each of this is critical.

Escalating to an executive position demands the honing of a distinct skill set, which often intertwines advanced strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and stakeholder management. This development involves not only enhancing existing managerial skills but also acquiring new competencies related to governance, risk management, and strategic leadership, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate the multifaceted executive landscape.

Communication is probably the most important of all. The leader is the glue for the organization, connecting remote departments and unifying them through an inspiring and clear vision.Ensure the organization's competency level and resources are adequate for the strategic initiative. Lastly, the leader must concert the complex information gathering and consensus building, critical to make the most complex decisions.

Transitioning from a management role to an executive position in the strategy field requires not only developing new skills but also refining your leadership abilities and strategic mindset. Here are some tips to help you make this transition successfully: Master Strategic Thinking, Leadership Development, Financial Acumen, Decision-Making Skills, Change Management, Stakeholder Management, Mentorship and Coaching…etc

Develop new skills, specifically your strategic thinking skills. This includes being able to see the big picture, identify and assess trends, and develop and implement innovative strategies. You should also be able to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure.

You must identify a mentor who can guide you through this transition. It helps you create the roadmap for your journey in the right direction. Study various strategy frameworks to develop your views and improvise based on the situation.

Embedding oneself within a cocoon of continuous growth involves actively seeking feedback and engaging in mentorship. This is about embracing a perpetual learning mindset, wherein insights from peers, subordinates, and, crucially, mentors, become invaluable in shaping your executive presence, strategic prowess, and leadership style. It’s a journey of constantly refining your approach, informed by a rich tapestry of diverse perspectives.

There are many soft skills and tricks to be learned that you cannot find in management books. A mentor, and a network will pay huge dividends. Attend executive networks and learn by observing the dynamic and nonverbal communications.

Experienced executives in the field can provide you with guidance and support as you transition into an executive role. Also, make sure to network. This can help you learn about new opportunities, find mentors, and get your foot in the door for executive roles. Start by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with people on LinkedIn.

Express to your manager your interest in this field and start leading small strategic projects. It can be a low-priority market entry assessment, or a taskforce. The importance of the project is irrelevant, you will learn regardless and you can demonstrate your ability in managing some of the related challenges.

Visibility is key in a transition to an executive role. It’s imperative to not only cultivate but also demonstrably showcase your strategic capabilities. This involves proactively identifying and engaging in opportunities where your strategic aptitude, leadership capabilities, and executive potential can shine, thereby positioning yourself as a credible candidate for executive roles in strategy.

An executive role, especially within strategy, often demands a nimble and adaptive mindset, capable of navigating through the intricate and dynamic organisational landscapes. Flexibility and adaptability become paramount, involving an ability to pivot strategies, realign approaches, and navigate through uncertainties, all while maintaining a firm grasp on the overarching organisational objectives.

Executives are expected to be great firefighters, quick to adapt to new demands, and always ON. Able to remain cool under pressure and craft a contingency plan to address an unforeseen emergency.

You mentioned it yourself, but it’s worth repeating. The transition can take time, so stay patient and persistent in pursuing your goal. Remember that the journey to an executive role is often a marathon, not a sprint. Persistence, continuous learning, and a strategic mindset will help you make a successful transition.

The ascent to an executive role is often a journey, not a sprint. It’s about embodying patience and persistence, recognising that each step, each role, and each challenge encountered forms a pivotal chapter in your overarching career narrative. This involves maintaining a steadfast commitment to your executive aspirations, patiently navigating through the myriad experiences that gradually shape your executive pathway.Transitioning from management to an executive role in strategy is a nuanced, multifaceted journey, where understanding the role, continuous skill development, seeking wisdom through feedback & mentorship, and embodying patience and persistence converge to sculpt your pathway into the executive echelons of the strategy domain.

Building strong relationships both within and outside your organization is paramount. As you move up, you'll need to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including other executives, board members, and external partners. Invest time in networking and nurturing these relationships.Uphold the highest ethical standards in your decision-making and actions. Your integrity and reputation are invaluable assets that will define your effectiveness as an executive.In my own journey, I've found that a commitment to continuous learning and a passion for making a positive impact have been guiding principles. It requires hellava dedication, but the rewards of impact and influence are well worth the effort.

The overarching thread in making the transition successfully is to know your WHY. The decisions become more complex, the downside of decisions is a lot lower than their upside, and honest feedback is a lot rarer in executive positions. So, knowing your why will help one push through without a loss in motivation and energy which is even more vital in executive roles in the strategy domain.

Volunteering for cross-functional projects and initiatives will give you the opportunity to gain experience working with different teams and departments, and to demonstrate your leadership skills.Getting involved with professional organizations is a great way to network with other professionals, learn about new trends and developments, and stay up-to-date on the latest research.Publishing articles, blog posts, and other types of content will help you establish yourself as a thought leader in the field and will also help build your personal brand.