3 Signs Executives Should Explore A Career Pivot

Career TipsAs you climb the ladder and focus on executive-level positions of career pivot, the path to success can be pretty clear. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed many executives failing to consider how to keep themselves in these types of roles once they arrive. Getting there is just the first step. Staying there takes a whole new strategy. Here’s why…

What Got You There Won’t Keep You There

As you focus on landing that first executive title, the emphasis is on developing all your skills so that you are viewed as someone who can handle the pressure of the role. Your abilities to lead people, manage projects, keep accountability and fiscal responsibility are just a few of the things evaluated to ensure you will deliver on the job. But, once you are there and doing the job well, a new level of expectation sets in. Being able to do the job is no longer enough. Now, people want to see your specialty, a/k/a what makes you stand out as a high-performing executive, making it tougher for the organization to be successful without you. This is when you should look for that you won’t be able to find your niche. Here are 3 warning signs this could be challenging in your current environment:

1. No history of upward mobility.

If the same people have been in charge for years and aren’t planning on going anywhere, then the likelihood you’ll get their jobs someday is pretty slim. Especially, if the company isn’t growing and expanding in a way that would create more opportunities.

2. Culture clash with key players.

If you butt heads with one or more fellow executives, especially ones that have been there longer than you, this could hold you back from any key roles that would require their buy-in and on-going support.

3. Lack of autonomy.

If you find you can’t make any decisions on how to change or grow your department without first getting approval, then you won’t be able to claim ownership for conceptualizing and executing strategy. While you may seek input and approval on some things, having to get consent for all decisions shows lack of trust and respect from the company and doesn’t help you grow your confidence and abilities as an executive.

For Executives… Here’s How You Can Do Your Job & Look For A New One

If you are experiencing one or more of these roadblocks, you may want to explore what other options are available to you. Using a confidential executive search service like, Lucas Group enables you to privately put the word out that you are open to conversations about making a move. Plus, they can filter out and only present you with opportunities that offer the chance for you to build up that specialty you need to stay solidly at the executive level.

P.S. – Don’t Wait Until The Fire Is Too Hot To Handle

Executive roles are demanding, and can often make us put exploring other opportunities on the back burner. Unfortunately, finding the right executive position can take a year or more. Waiting until things get to a point where you need to leave is not the best option. Even if you have a great exit package, finding yourself out of job and looking for work full-time will put you at a disadvantage. It’s much easier to get a job as an executive when you have a job.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Lucas Group. The opinions and text are all mines. Source: workitdaily.com

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