How to be top

I read an article on 'How to be top' in the Times Online magazine earlier this week and wanted to share some of the key points. What I found beneficial about this article is that the executive consultant who wrote this actually appeared to communicate based on experiences with her clients rather than a lot of coaches who just appear to make crap up based on what they think. As my pyschology professor said to me it doesn't really count if you have a theory that appears great on paper - you always need the evidence to support your hypothesis.

Some of the key points mentioned by Heather Dawson (author of Faster, Faster) were;

1. Successful executives are in control of their lives

They understand choices, know what is important to them and what they want to achieve. And they are positive about the journey they are making.

2. Make time to think and focus

Those who succeed create time and opportunities for interrupted thinking.

3. Ability to lead in time of uncertainty and ambiguity

Senior executives are comfortable in this situation and adapt in the way they respond to the people around them. They know what they are doing and what it is going to provide.

4. Know when to recharge

Those who cope best recognize when they are running on empty and need to recharge. Make sure they get enough rest, eat healthy and make room for some downtime.

Underlying these are three foundation skills; understanding you cannot do everything and therefore need to surround yourself with complementary skills, ability to process conflicting information and work out what is going on, talent for thinking ahead and planning.

The message was not all of the high performers follow the exact same process but they do intend to follow the same principles. Also the feeling of being in control is not like that of a dictator...more in that they knew themselves and self-reflected extremely well.