According to an article on BNET.com by CEO Edward A. Kazemek, it takes planning to become a CEO or a COO. Below, I’ve included his advice along with my own on what it takes to land one of the highest-paid positions in corporate America.
Four Tips to Help You Plan for a CEO Future
- Make sure you have your goals set for the right reasons if you want to become a CEO. Managers should think about where they want to be in the future and if they want to make the switch. If someone wants to make this career adjustment, he or she needs to be prepared for the hard work that goes into it. Pursuing a CEO position just for the money or an ego boost is not a good idea! If you are really into management and have a drive for it, then it could be a great move. Create a schedule with career milestones and stick to it.
- Boost your management skills to the CEO level. Take the feedback and criticism you have received in your management positions and apply them to your new executive position. We all get better with experience, so make sure to spruce up your management skills and gain insight into your CEO career.
- A “self-development plan” is a smart thing to create if you are an aspiring CEO. When you make a plan specific to your industry, you will be able to prepare for a specific job. Make sure to focus on your skills, Kazemek recommends, as well as your past experiences. This plan can also entail going back to school to get a master’s degree or pursuing other educational goals.
- Networking and putting your name out there are also important things to do if you want to become a CEO. If there is a board you need to be on, be on it; if there is an event with a lot of executives, go to it! Networking is a great way to learn from your peers and a good way to get your name out into the industry. You should also be up for challenges that will teach you new things.
Overall, focusing on being happy in your position is most important. If you think you can handle an executive position and are truly motivated and dedicated to your industry, then you should give it a try.
CEO of Pacifica Wellness Tim Ramirez makes a good point about working as a CEO: “If you don’t like what you are doing, don’t do it. Be where you are needed. Doing good is worth so much more than getting paid.”
