My entire career has been focused on helping organizations to become more effective. Fundamental to this process is the ability to help identify the skills required for executives to successfully lead.

I have coached scores of executives throughout my career, first inside the c-suite and later as part of my executive coaching business. During this time, I have compiled a comprehensive database of the strengths and opportunity areas of senior executives in firms ranging from start-ups to the Fortune 50.  I have completed a detailed review of the data related to those individuals below the CEO level who were subsequently promoted to positions of greater authority. The findings are instructive to anyone who wishes to advance inside of their organization.

The top three most frequently cited strengths for individuals who were promoted from an executive level to an even higher position include:

1. Results orientation
2. Relational skills
3. Intellectual skills

Results orientation is a strength in 73% of those who received a promotion. The moral of this story is simple, performance really does matter. The challenging and difficult global environment places a higher premium on results than ever before. If you want to be promoted, get results. But beware, lest you think results at any cost is the formula for success, see the number two strength.

Relational skill is a strength in 45% of those who received a promotion. There is a premium on being able to build and sustain effective relationships with others. While there are plenty of examples of “Attila the Hun” executives out there, this finding would indicate that the ability to connect with others is no longer a nice to do, but de rigueur. It is about time.

Intellectual skill is a strength in 36% of those promoted. There is no shortage of smart people in the executive ranks, but this finding would indicate that you do not have to be Mensa quality to advance. You simply need to apply your intellectual skills in a collaborative way to achieve results. Do not get me wrong, these people are plenty smart. It is just not the first thing on the list.

The moral of the story is simple. Focus on applying your intellect to achieve results through productive relationships with others and you could be well on your way to the top of the corporate ladder. Good luck.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 10:30 am and is filed under Leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.