The Search for Outliers in Executive Leadership

From Mid-Management to Executive Mindset

As we all waited to hear if Elon Musk was approved for his $56B on June 13th... it’s a reminder to talk about transitioning from mid-management to an executive role, because I will tell you right now, it requires way more than just experience; it demands a shift in mindset and focus. I am seeing less and less in way of outliers in the executive field right now. The BEST are on their way out and nobody is coming up the ranks right now.

While mid-level managers often prioritize team dynamics and fostering a positive work environment, top executives like Jensen Huang, Jamie Dimon, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk are laser-focused on delivering shareholder value and driving significant business outcomes. Companies today are on the lookout for these outliers—those who can truly lead and innovate, steering the organization towards unparalleled success.

The Search for Outliers in Executive Leadership

In the startup world, being an outlier—someone who stands out for exceptional talent and vision—is a popular concept. These individuals are typically the founder and are often seen as the key to a startup’s success.

But what does it mean to be an outlier within the realm of executive leadership, and how can you position yourself as one?

Outliers in the executive realm are those who bring unique perspectives, drive transformative change, and consistently deliver exceptional results. These leaders are not just rare, they are invaluable.

You can still make a massive impact on a company or an entire industry by leveraging your unique skills and experiences.

Key Differences in Leadership Focus

To understand the transition from mid-management to executive roles, let’s delve into the key differences in focus:

Mid-Management:

• Emotional Intelligence: Critical for managing teams, resolving conflicts, and maintaining morale. According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 90% of top performers have high emotional intelligence, underscoring its importance at all levels.

• Team Dynamics: Emphasizes collaboration, employee satisfaction, and productivity.

• Operational Efficiency: Focuses on the smooth functioning of day-to-day activities.

Executive Leadership:

• Strategic Vision: Prioritizes long-term goals, innovation, and market expansion. McKinsey & Company highlights that strategic leaders are essential for navigating complex business landscapes and driving transformation.

• Shareholder Value: Concentrates on financial performance and delivering returns on investment. Companies led by high-performing CEOs often see their stock prices outperform market averages by more than 500% over a decade.

• High-Stakes Decision Making: Involves navigating complex negotiations and maintaining public relations. This skill set is crucial for managing crises and steering the company through turbulent times.

While it is important Executive leadership brings to the table elements of mid-management, the overall mindset is night and day.

Compensation Insights

Compensation packages for executives differ significantly from those of mid-management roles. Executives often receive a combination of salary, bonuses, stock options, and other incentives tied to company performance. According to a report by Deloitte, executive compensation increasingly aligns with long-term company success, which motivates leaders to focus on sustainable growth. Honestly this is truly key. Not only does a lengthy leadership term at a company help propel it forwards, it also gives the perspective to the rest of the world of stability, which continues that success.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Wisdom

This quote really highlights the profound impact a leader has on an organization. Great leaders imprint their values, vision, and strategic thinking on the company, shaping its culture and direction. When a company has had five CEOs in 11 years, the shadow Emerson mentioned is thin, reflecting instability and a weakened public perception. This instability not only affects financial markets but also hampers the company’s ability to attract top talent.

The Big Players’ Game: How Do You Know If You’re Ready?

Advancing to a director or executive position requires a significant shift in mindset. Here are key indicators that you might be ready for this transition:

• Strategic Thinking: You start to see beyond immediate tasks and focus on long-term objectives. A McKinsey & Company study found that strategic thinkers are 6.7 times more likely to be successful in leadership roles.

• Outcome Orientation: You prioritize measurable results and understand their impact on the organization’s success. Leaders who excel in this area often drive higher profitability and growth.

• Leadership Influence: You begin to inspire and lead beyond your immediate team, affecting broader organizational change. Korn Ferry points out, effective leaders influence others through vision and purpose.

Career stagnation is a real and it is quite the challenge when trying to figure out the next step in your career.... especially when aspiring to transition from mid-management to executive leadership.

Despite having the necessary experience, many professionals find themselves stuck in their current roles, unable to break through to higher levels of leadership.

This stagnation often arises from a failure to evolve one’s mindset and focus, which is crucial for demonstrating the strategic vision, innovative thinking, and outcome orientation that define outlier executives.

Recognizing and addressing this stagnation is essential for those who aspire to make a significant impact and drive success at the highest levels of an organization.

The Path to Becoming an Outlier

You aren't necessarily born an outlier- but you can become one. To be an outlier, you must embrace your unique capabilities and demonstrate your value in ways that go beyond the ordinary. Here’s how you can prepare for and embody outlier status within executive leadership:

Showcase Your Unique Value Proposition:

Highlight your distinctive skills and experiences that set you apart. For example, if you’ve led a successful digital transformation project, emphasize the tangible outcomes such as cost savings, increased efficiency, and enhanced customer experience.

Develop a Strategic Vision:

Articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future. How do you see the industry evolving, and what role will your company play in that future? Demonstrating foresight and strategic planning capabilities is crucial.

Foster a Culture of Innovation:

Encourage and lead initiatives that drive innovation within the organization. This could involve adopting new technologies, streamlining processes, or launching new products. Show that you can lead the charge in keeping the company ahead of the curve.

Focus on Results:

Quantify your achievements. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, “Increased annual revenue by 20% through the implementation of a new sales strategy” provides a clear picture of your effectiveness.

Remember:

AI doesn’t know you. Don't use it for personal branding.

If you want to be a generic cookie cutter professional- sure... But isn't the point of building a personal brand is to stand out? Forget AI-generated personas and using GPTs or the magic AI writer on LinkedIn—what does an algorithm know about your unique journey?

How does it know exactly who your audience is? Sure you can maybe get a base level one- but you gotta be better than that.

Stay ahead by using new technology to amplify, not define, your personal brand. Remember, technology is your tool, not your identity.

I want to provide an example of how to help yourself stand out as a leader in an interview, let's take tech for instance:

Preparing for an Executive Role in a Tech Company

Imagine you’re interviewing for the CEO position at a tech company. Here’s how you might demonstrate your leadership readiness:

Question: How have you previously driven significant change within an organization?

Your Answer: In my previous role as COO at TechInnovate, I led a comprehensive digital transformation initiative. By integrating advanced AI solutions into our operations, we reduced processing times by 50% and cut operational costs by 30%. This not only improved our efficiency but also enhanced our competitive edge in the market.

Then You ASK: How does your company currently approach innovation, and what opportunities do you see for further growth and development?

This question shows your interest in the company’s future and your readiness to lead innovative initiatives. And HINT-- You do't have to wait until the end of the interview to ask things!! Stand out. Showcase the ability to converse and dive more in-depth.

Embrace Full Utilization of Your Capacity

It has been shown countless times that executives develop faster and more solidly in environments that encourage the full utilization of an individual’s capacity.

It’s about leveraging your background, skills, and experiences to show a company that you have the drive and vision to lead. When you bring your whole self to the table—your insights, your strategic thinking, and your leadership skills—you demonstrate that you are ready for the challenges and opportunities of executive leadership.

Transitioning from mid-management to executive leadership is not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it’s about evolving your mindset, enhancing your strategic vision, and aligning your goals with the broader objectives of the organization.

As you prepare for this significant career move, remember that your growth as a leader will reflect in the institution you help shape. Both companies and employees benefit from leaders who are prepared, insightful, and capable of driving sustained success.

Becoming an outlier in executive leadership means standing out for your exceptional talent and vision. Companies today are looking for these outliers—those who can lead and innovate, steering the organization towards unparalleled success. By embracing this mindset and preparing yourself for the responsibilities of executive roles, you can become the transformative leader that companies and industries need.

Thanks for reading--- Job Chick out! 😎

Connect with me Direct 👉 www.TheJobChick.com

Amanda Goodall is the founder of The Job Chick, an executive resume writer, leadership advisor, and strategic consultant with over two decades of transformative experience.

She has trained over 2000 executives worldwide, including executives from top companies like Deloitte, Google, Meta, and Tesla. Amanda’s expertise extends to strategic PR and media campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. She is also a co-founder of Somerset Venture Partners, Goodall Aviation, and a startup advisor - with a focus on talent planning.

Focused on shaping the future of work, Amanda is currently spearheading research on AI’s transformative role in the job market.