How do you become a general manager?

A core general management skill is building a team around you that delivers. This team should compliment your skills, collaborate strongly and be seen to be part of the success. A really good general manager develops talent either to replace them as they move up or goes on to be leaders themselves. You should be known for hiring and developing people especially your team.

When hiring a GM, we typically focus on qualified competencies, industrial experience in various industrial domains, and experience in working various functional roles in the past. And especially, it is more important to understand the tangible and measurable results than just work experience in a job position. Then the 4 pillars for a selection decision: 1. Attitude, 2. Passion, 3. Patience and 4. Commitment.

Earn a bachelor's degree. ... Gain relevant work experience. ... Gain additional credentials relevant to your current position. ... Earn an MBA. ... Build a positive work reputation. ... Build your professional network. ... Find a mentor. ... Continue to develop your interpersonal skills.

Embrace a growth mindset and seek continuous learning opportunities. General Managers should prioritize learning not just in their area of expertise but in diverse fields to develop a multidimensional perspective. Participating in interdisciplinary forums and think tanks can stimulate innovative thinking and adaptability, essential traits for a successful General Manager.

Preparing for a General Management position is about gathering varied experiences across different business areas. Working in diverse departments offers practical insights into the inner workings of the organization. This will better prepare you for understanding how all facets of the business are interwoven and the impact each has on the other. Seek out experience in various departments and look for promotions as you transition into management roles. Not only will you gain valuable business insights but through management experience in various departments you will hone EQ and become an impactful leader.

The best, way I have found to get relevant experience is to volunteer for projects, especially when the projects took me outside of my comfort zone, as I’ve known, this is where the growth is. One time, my boss was very ill, and I volunteered to take over all of the legal cases for Southern California at Wells Fargo. In this role, I was the bank representative handling litigation, mediation, and negotiation of 86 cases in a court of law in one year. This experience has given me an advantage, and as a result, in my last position as Managing Director for the largest banking organization in the United States, I was asked to be an advisor for the Legal group handling similar matters.

What I have found helpful is to engage in scenario-based learning exercises. These exercises, often used in executive training programs, involve dealing with hypothetical but realistic business scenarios. This approach helps develop critical thinking and decision-making skills under pressure, mimicking the challenges General Managers face in real-world situations.

Learning by doing, and having responsibilities in hectic business situation that would need problems solving and decision-making. Understanding some mistakes by risk taking.

Plan and decide next steps for your carreer with 2 or 3 "moves" in mind, not just the next one. If you want to be in X position in 5-7 years, thing in the next positions as the road to that desired place a bit more far in time ahead. Be sure you cover the functions that are key for a GM role in the industry you want to be in. It changes from FMCG to banking to technology, for example

Getting the right education along your career path can help set you apart and develop you into a strategic thinker. My first degree was business and psychology, two critical areas for managing people and running companies. When I was ready, I got my MBA, immediately followed by an advanced banking degree, where I learned the importance of asking the right questions, collaborating with people with different skill sets than me, and thinking like the CEO for better results for the company, not just for me. My doctorate in organizational leadership expanded my knowledge so I could assess and more effectively transform organizations. Each degree sharpened my natural skills, and gave me the credibility to take on higher positions.

When hiring a GM, l don't mind that a candidate has certificates, but to be honest, the certificates just are formal clarifications of some education. And they don't mean of being capable of doing what you really need to do in your daily operations. M.Sc., should be the minimum level. It doesn't make any harm to Dr. level graduation.

specialisationsspecializations that are emerging as pivotal in the business world. For instance, courses in digital transformation, sustainable business practices, or global trade management can provide an edge. These specialized areas of knowledge are increasingly relevant in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Leverage digital platforms for thought leadership. General Managers should consider maintaining a professional blog or a podcast series where they can share insights and engage with a global audience. This not only enhances their reputation but also keeps them connected with the latest trends and opinions in the business world.

I would also recommend you to establish your management style. Have principles that you live by and are known by. I have had stated leadership principles going back to 2003.

Many people put a lot of effort in being relevantly present at social media, within different stakeholders and so on. Good. But make sure to be vocal about what you want with the right audience, and I mean mentors, bosses, internal leaders, recruiters, etc. Build the case for those who could decide to appoint you (or help you to be appointed) for the role you want.

In the application process, demonstrate adaptability and a global mindset. Given the increasingly global nature of business, showcasing experiences and understanding of diverse cultures and market dynamics can be a significant advantage. Tailor your application to reflect how your experiences align with the multinational and multicultural aspects of the role.

When applying for a general manager role, start by understanding the job description to match your industry expertise. Highlight these skills in your resume and cover letter. Regularly apply on LinkedIn and job boards, tracking applications in a spreadsheet. Build a network of industry contacts and executive recruiters, connecting on LinkedIn and through referrals. Follow up consistently, recording interactions. Stay active on LinkedIn, inquiring about openings. Be clear about your people management expectations, location preference, desired time off, and salary. This targeted strategy will help in securing the right position.

Understand the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership. A General Manager's role is as much about managing people as it is about managing business operations. High EQ is crucial for effective team management, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive work environment that drives productivity and innovation.

You will get offered management positions if you deliver your promises i.e. your business targets and know for doing so consistently.