Here's how you can excel in your executive career: the key skills and qualities you need.

1)Be a great listener. I have coached leaders who told me that, when their direct reports would come to them looking for help, they would often get their own answers because of the leader’s ability to listen deeply. 2) create a culture where mistakes are celebrated, as an avenue toward learning new things, being innovative, and having the courage to take risks. 3) engender trust. Be trustworthy, live and model integrity so your employees will too. 4). Have fun. As more and more research shows, happiness leads to a more productive workplace. It helps lower employee turnover, and makes for a great place to work!

As an executive, your ability to cast a compelling vision is paramount. You must see beyond the day-to-day operations and chart a course for the future that excites and motivates your team. Visionary leaders are adept at communicating their vision in a way that aligns with the values and goals of their employees, using Motivational Interviewing techniques to bolster their message. By actively listening and responding empathetically, you can engage your team members in a collaborative process that makes them feel valued and part of something larger than themselves.

There is much truth in this statement, but... "if you listen empathetically..." There is a subtle yet important difference between listening and hearing, or understanding. The first requirement for effective managers is to like people - to have healthy attachment (ref attachment theory - Bowlby et al). That enables a manager to empathise with their team, and build mutual understanding. Screw corporatism: long live humanity!

Strategic thinking involves looking at your organization from a bird's-eye view and anticipating future trends and challenges. It's about making decisions today that will position your company for success tomorrow. This means analyzing data, understanding market dynamics, and being creative in problem-solving. By employing Motivational Interviewing, you can facilitate open dialogues that encourage diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, ensuring that your strategic plans are robust and well-informed.

Communication is the lifeblood of any organization, and as an executive, mastering this skill is non-negotiable. It's not just about conveying information; it's about doing so clearly, persuasively, and with sensitivity to the needs and concerns of your audience. Utilizing Motivational Interviewing techniques can enhance your communication by creating a two-way street where feedback is not only given but also received with openness and a genuine desire to understand.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and manage your emotions as well as those of others. High EI is crucial for executives as it underpins effective leadership, conflict resolution, and team building. It involves empathy, self-awareness, and self-regulation—skills that are at the core of Motivational Interviewing. By practicing EI, you can create a work environment where trust flourishes and productivity soars.

The capacity to make timely and effective decisions is a hallmark of successful executives. This requires confidence, the ability to assess risks and benefits, and the willingness to take responsibility for the outcomes. While Motivational Interviewing is about guiding others to their own conclusions, it can also inform your decision-making process by providing a deeper understanding of the motivations and concerns of your team.

If you are not learning something new every day, then you're not growing. This is my motto for living. When I was working in the corporate arena, I made it a point to learn one new thing most days. Some days were spent trying to survive and you know what I'm talking about. My learning wasn't just focused on skillsets for my role. My learning was also about me and my personal growth. I knew if I grew personally, it would help me in my career. Recognizing things like boundaries, self-care, and my own style of communication (verbal and nonverbal) were just a few items for personal growth. I say go beyond just the skillset for the position. That will take you far. Personal development will take you further.