What Is Executive Leadership?

Executive leadership has been around for years and is one of the most common and effective leadership styles. Unlike other leadership types, executive leadership requires a systematic and controlled approach which involves coming up with relevant goals and objectives and then influencing people within the organization to accomplish them.

An executive leader has clear goals for the organization and has strict rules that ensure that they achieve them. Executive leaders have a well-thought-out structure of what they intend to achieve within the company and test it out before putting it into practice. Some examples of executive leaders include police supervisors, orchestral conductors, and sports captains.

Characteristics of Executive Leaders

Image via Flickr by  Luigi Mengato

There is no exact formula for becoming a great executive leader. However, the most outstanding executive leaders have numerous common skills, traits, and strengths. To become a great executive leader, develop and make use of the attributes described below. They will ensure that you stand out among other executive leaders.

Communicate Effectively

Communication is the backbone of effective executive leadership. To become an organizational leader, you need to develop your ability to clearly and compellingly express yourself in writing and in person. Communication is a two-way street, and listening is as important as expressing your views, ideas, needs, and goals.

Take Risks

Risk taking is vital in the business world especially in the initial stages. As an executive leader, you must be willing to take calculated risks on behalf of the company. It is best to take responsibility for the results you obtain from the risks, whether positive or negative. Calculated risk-taking shows confidence, courage, and leadership, which are essential traits for any executive leader.

Be a Fast Learner

Mistakes are prevalent in the executive leadership style because new ideas don’t always succeed at first. However, as an executive leader, you should not shy away after making a mistake. Instead, you ought to learn lessons and take the required preventive measures to avoid future errors.

Types of Executive Leadership

Executive leadership is well-known, and many leaders have adapted and incorporated some of its techniques to fit their leadership styles and personalities. It has led to three kinds of executive leadership types known as:

• Servant executive leadership: this leader that believes in the concept of serving others instead of being served
• Authentic executive leadership: ensures an open, communicative relationship between the leader and the team members
• Paternalistic executive leadership: authoritarian and rigorous type of executive leadership, which is considered to be the opposite of servant leadership

Effective leadership is significant if you want to take your company to the next level. Challenging new situations will put your leadership skills to the test. With discipline, you can learn how to become an executive leader.

The good news is you don’t need to spend your money traveling to a university to learn all about executive leadership. You can learn it from the comfort of your home through an online course that gives you a theoretical and practical understanding of what it means to be an executive leader.

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