Top 3 Qualities Every Business Executive Should Have
Running a company takes more than knowledge of your business — it’s about making connections, solving problems and breaking new ground to change the world. While professionals like Larry Muller are fully equipped to take on higher echelon roles, not everybody is suited for such positions. A career as a business executive puts you in charge of important projects and has you frequently working with employees, clientele and fellow management, and handling these tasks requires the right kind of person. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into the world of business leadership, here are a few key traits you should exhibit.
Honesty
When you become a business executive, your world expands. You find yourself constantly working in different areas, communicating directly and indirectly with a variety of people and often at the forefront of resolving issues within the company. These scenarios require a strong ability to be honest with everyone around you; fully expressing the truth to the best of your ability can make all the difference when solving problems and minimizes miscommunication that could cause serious setbacks. What’s more, honesty is a highly admired quality that will likely inspire your employees and help you earn their trust.
Integrity
People want to work with and for someone with a firm moral code. As a business executive, you need to work hard for the things that truly matter and stand up for those who depend on you. Push for workplace morale and your employees’ well being just as much as you do for safety and efficiency, and provide your clientele with as much information on your product or services as possible. Above all, don’t ever let your mistakes fall on the shoulders of another person — you should be as willing to own up to your shortcomings as you are your successes.
Empathy
Your business likely impacts countless people at any point in time, so it’s important to make those who keep your company alive feel valued. Employees tend to work harder and find more fulfillment in their roles when management actively works to fit their needs for things like scheduling, time off, position changes and problems on the job. Furthermore, word spreads quickly when it comes to excellent management, and your clientele will take note of how well you treat your employees. Knowing that they are supporting a business that truly cares for its workers means your clients are much more likely to become regular and even lifelong customers.
It isn’t easy to step into the role of business executive, but with the right mindset, it can be an exciting and rewarding career. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is human, including you. No matter what position you fill, always treat the other members of your company the way you want to be treated. Show respect to those around you, practice honesty in all you do and recognize that your job is about more than bottom line profits. As a business executive, you have the power to change the world for the better — make sure you use it for the greater good.
