How to Prepare and Present Yourself as a Senior Leader in the Job Market

“I have managed a team of over 100 people under me”.?

“I have handled 5 clients in my last assignment”.?

“I have managed a large division of my organization”.?

“I have delivered an USD 12 million program last year”.?

These are all cliched and irrelevant in the current world. To stand in-front of smart people in a smart organization, present yourself as a “Leader” and score points require depth, mindset and preparation and that’s where you need to build special skills.?

Think about your competition in Leadership - if we throw a stone upwards in the New Delhi railway station, one of the most crowded that we know of, and it falls on someone’s head (don’t try this in reality) and you ask him or her what’s your occupation, the answer is very likely “I am a leader in my organization”. Literally, anybody is now a leader and it seems social media influencers are helping you become one by attending a workshop.?

Getting hired to a senior position in a company is an aspiration, but while you may have overcome numerous challenges throughout your career, the role as a senior leader presents countless more. You will always be in fire and ambiguity and taking your flock and stakeholders through them while remaining in front becomes the hallmark of a true leader.?

It’s a multi-step process and it requires focus and preparation.?

If you are eyeing a position, you must look the part from at least three years in advance.?

Step 1: Develop a Goal and Vision

You're likely acquainted with the concept of "career mapping," a strategic approach aimed at setting career objectives, identifying development needs and nurturing skills to propel your professional journey. To excel in this endeavor, it's crucial to establish a clear vision for both your personal growth. Consider potential advancements down the road and strategize how these can drive your career forward. Reflect on areas where personal improvement is needed and devise effective methods.?

Step 2: Grow yourself Continuously

Perpetual learning and skill refinement is paramount. >42% of top Fortune 100 executives possess MBA degrees. An Executive MBA program or similar courses in your domain can further enrich your acumen. Cultivation connections with ones who are in similar journeys and exchange thoughts and notes. There are other avenues such as research, special projects, and diverse learning experiences. And while doing all these, make sure to let your network know of your achievements.?

Step 3: Build Self-awareness

Envision yourself occupying your ideal senior role five years from now. Seek the guidance of a coach, mentor, or advisor to gain an impartial and authentic evaluation. Reflect on the driving forces that have propelled you thus far. Delve into how you've tackled challenges and grown from them. This introspection enhances self-awareness and psychological resilience, invaluable assets for future interviews, engagements, and assessments.

Step 4: Cultivate a Professional Persona including Digital one

First impressions are formed in a mere seven seconds, with trustworthiness often gauged within a tenth of that time. Aspiring to senior leadership requires instilling confidence in others – the foundation of gravitas and credibility. In the digital era, personal branding is of paramount importance. Maintain your online profiles to align with your desired professional image. Forge connections with colleagues who offer fresh perspectives and challenge your viewpoints, yet share fundamental values.?

Step 5: Embody Your Desired Leadership Style – Today

Authenticity and Integrity as the most notable qualities in leaders. Exceptional leaders inspire by fostering trust and respect. Placing greater emphasis on nurturing your team invariably yields positive results. Delegation should not be feared – it not only strengthens your team but also signifies your confidence in their abilities, reflecting trust in their insights.?

Step 6: Critical Skills and Exposure Building

Prospective leaders often lack certain exposures like managing high-powered stakeholder relationships, corporate brand building, financial management, deep commercial responsibilities, product and service portfolio development, adeptness in public speaking, media awareness and so on. Seeking out opportunities that provide you with the exposure and thereby creating visibility is key to progress to your goal.?

Preparing for a senior leadership role necessitates meticulous planning. Those involved in the selection process, whether from external hires or internal promotions, seek individuals with a holistic skill set that already reflects senior-level capabilities. Refine your existing proficiencies, embrace ongoing development, and commit to sustaining this growth trajectory will help you advance in your journey.?

Teksands is a leading Talent Services organization with specialisation in Executive and Leadership Search Services. With very strong executive connect networks nationally and globally, research-based methods, and a strong executive search team in place, we bring significant competency and success in bringing exceptional leadership talent to our clients.

Manas Dasgupta Richa Sarna

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