A successful executive must be able to simultaneously oversee and manage multiple areas of the company. It can be challenging to ensure that all departments are running smoothly and receive the focus they need, especially since some areas require more time and attention than others. However, it’s important to get organized and optimize your processes as a leader so you can meet this challenge head-on.
To help you, we asked a panel of Forbes Coaches Council members to identify the areas of business they feel executives tend to overlook. Read on to learn which areas of business they believe executives should focus more on, and why.
1. Team Accountability
One of the most underestimated skills an executive can bring to their team is providing accountability. Everyone works better when they are held accountable. This can seem like a tough task considering how much work is on a leader’s plate, but having a team running at full speed with you is a far better use of time than trying to do things just by yourself. – Doug Holt, Doug Holt Online
2. Ongoing Staff Development
Professional development planning for team members is often overlooked. Standalone training courses are not enough to maximize learning and engagement. Executives should know how each team member views their job now and what they want from their career. Then they can plan learning opportunities and work assignments to help team members grow for the job they have and the one they want next. – Susan Shirley, Global View Leadership
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
3. AI Impact
The applications of artificial intelligence (AI) continue to expand into more business areas. Executives would benefit from paying more attention to the impact AI can have on their business. This includes how AI could be leveraged to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations. – Ryan Lahti, OrgLeader
4. Personal Growth
Prioritizing a personal growth mentality isn’t usually on the list of “must-dos” for most executives. They typically believe if they’ve been successful enough to reach their position, they are successful enough to stay there. However, curious executives who focus on their own growth and development make better leaders and role models for their people and take their teams even further. – Catherine Hickem, The Dash Group
5. Your Mindset
So many top executives are living in high-speed turmoil, but their mindset and subconscious thoughts are a mess and really impacting both their importance and well-being. By taking the time to invest in this area, your thoughts can be organized and dealt with, allowing you a much clearer headspace to deal with other areas. – Rebecca Patterson, Rebecca Patterson
6. Empowering Others Through Delegation
Understanding what it is they should do as executives and what their team could be doing is critical for success. I often see clients wanting to problem-solve and take care of things on their own, not realizing that for them to be effective as a senior leader, they need to delegate, not be involved in all activities, so they can enable others to grow. – Rochelle Cooper, Success Leaders
7. Strategic Work Time
Most executives are scheduled from sunup to sundown. They move from meeting to meeting every day. I suggest executives block time in their calendar each week to work on the non-urgent but important items (developing and reviewing strategy, thinking about new products, restructuring the team). Blocked time can be moved but can’t be cancelled. This is motivating and good for business. – Sandra Oliver, Impact-Coaches Inc.
8. Serving Your Team
Executives are used to influencing and leading others, but it is also critical to find how you can serve your teams. When your team members see your willingness to understand and support them both individually and collectively, trust deepens and fosters a more inclusive environment. – Tonya Echols, Vigere
9. True Ownership Of Your Role
As a small business owner, deciding what your roles and responsibilities should be is greatly overlooked. Most owners carry their startup roles, which span across all business areas, into their small companies. If this is true for you, then you haven’t had a moment to really step into a true owner role, and it’s time. Start by listing employee tasks you should no longer do and planning delegation. – Rita Coco, Rita Coco Consulting
10. An Authentic Social Media Presence
Executives in the 21st century can no longer hide behind press releases and company-generated statements. Executives, particularly CEOs, must learn how to use social media to effectively communicate with both their employees and customers. Consider using video or podcasts, which, if done right, make you come across as more authentic and “real” than just releasing a company statement. – Julie Fisher, Your Digital Guardian
11. Correlation Between Employee And Customer Experience
Executives often have limited budgets and resources. Where should I invest in order to get the best returns? Customers? Product? Marketing? Often executives fail to realize that the first principles are to invest in people. Without employees, there is no business. A great employee experience often reflects in awesome customer experience, which then drives revenue and profits. – Kevin Kan, Break Out Consulting Asia
12. Holistic Performance Management
Recognize the multifaceted role of performance management beyond routine appraisals! Remember that performance management includes setting and communicating clear objectives and performance standards; motivating, supporting and engaging staff; delivering ongoing developmental feedback, including dealing with poor performance; recognizing and rewarding; and developing talent to promote growth. – Palena Neale, Ph.D, unabridged
13. Direct Report One-On-Ones
It’s easy for executives to get over-focused on the task part of their business and to let time with their direct reports slip away. You schedule regular one-on-ones but keep letting other things fill up those time slots. Having real and meaningful connections with your direct reports is essential. Organize your professional life in a way that honors the importance of staying in contact. – Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, MCC, Clear Impact Consulting Group
14. Consistency In Words, Actions And Behavior
As a leader, everything you say carries weight. All your behaviors and actions, along with your words, communicate what matters most, and significantly shape the culture of your organization. Organize yourself around core values and principles. From there, consistently choose to be clear, welcoming and responsive in how you interact with others. This earns you respect and builds trust. – Lisa Schmidt, Worksphere
15. Energy Management
Assess where you most often are at your highest and peak performance. Schedule your creative, learning and thinking time during that peak period where your energy is at its best. Most likely this period of time is early or later, not mid workday. Gaining awareness and being mindful of your energy levels will give you information to assist in prioritizing your energy to support brainwork time. – Lori Harris, Harris Whitesell Consulting
16. Time-Blocking On Your Calendar
One of the most overlooked areas for executives is their calendar—not just the daily tasks, but more in the sense that they aren’t students of their daily workload. Finding best practices to time-block their days in order to prioritize tasks is essential for productivity. Become a student and master of your calendar, so you control your day and it doesn’t control you! – Jon Dwoskin, The Jon Dwoskin Experience
