Category: Competing for Exec

Tech Exec - Competing for tech exec

Competing for exec is a constant endeavor, filled with challenges and learning opportunities, where competition is a given. Navigating this intricate landscape requires more than just ambition; it demands guidance and strategic insight. The wisdom of a mentor with firsthand experience is unparalleled in this journey. At Tech 2 Exec, you will not only gain valuable insights about competing for exec, but also develop a deeper understanding of the tech industry’s nuances. This is thanks to a seasoned tech executive who boasts over 40 years of industry experience. Having held pivotal positions such as CIO and CTO, this mentor combines technical expertise with leadership acumen, enhanced by more than a decade of international exposure. This blend of experience provides a rich reservoir of knowledge to draw from, empowering you to excel in your career.

Have a Backup Plan in Times of Uncertainty

Everybody has a plan until you get punched in the face.
Mike Tyson

As a tech exec, it is crucial to have a backup plan and anticipate the unexpected. Despite careful planning, things often deviate from the desired course. In moments of adversity and deviation, how do you respond? How do you lead your team through challenges and keep them motivated?

One key to navigating uncertain situations is by having a strong understanding of the market and industry trends. This knowledge can help guide decision making and inform strategies for adapting to changing circumstances.

Additionally, it is important to foster a culture of agility within your organization. This means encouraging flexibility in processes and promoting a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. By being adaptable, your team will be better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, pivot when necessary, and stay ahead of competitors.

Another critical aspect of successful leadership during times of uncertainty is effective communication. Clear and transparent communication with your team about the situation at hand can help alleviate stress and build trust. It also allows for open discussions about potential solutions and encourages collaboration.

In addition to communication, it is crucial for leaders to prioritize empathy and emotional intelligence. During times of uncertainty, people may be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety and fear. As a leader, it is important to understand and acknowledge these emotions, while also providing support and reassurance.

And for yourself, anticipate the unforeseen and resist complacency.

Even during a smooth journey, having a backup plan in place is prudent. For instance, proactively nurturing your professional network can act as a safety net, heaven forbid you find yourself in need of new opportunities. Remember, preparedness is key.

Being prepared and having a backup plan is paramount. Complacency poses a significant threat to technology leaders and their success. Stay vigilant and proactive to stay ahead in the game.

Another way to navigate through uncertain times is by staying informed. This means keeping up to date with current events and industry trends, as well as seeking out advice from experts or mentors. By staying informed, you can make more informed decisions for your organization.

Finally, it is essential to maintain a positive mindset during times of uncertainty. While challenges may arise, it’s important to focus on the opportunities that can come from adapting and overcoming these obstacles. Encourage your team to stay positive and stay focused on the future, rather than dwelling on the present uncertainties.

Click here for a post on embracing uncertainty in the tech world.

You may also like:

Don’t Let Success Ruin Your Career

Tech Executives Can’t Know Everything

Importance of a bigger picture

Many technology executives get so wrapped up in the details that they do not see the broader view of an issue, and hence, do not see the risks associate with their narrow point of view.

You might be familiar with the phrase, “You can’t see the forest for the trees.” This suggests that sometimes being too focused on the details prevents you from seeing the bigger picture.

“You can’t see the forest for the trees.” – John Heywood from his proverbs collection, 1546

Many tech executives focus on project details, missing the big picture and overlooking risks with their narrow viewpoint. This often happens because they focus intensely on specific technical issues or immediate challenges, neglecting the larger strategic picture. It is crucial to maintain an open mind and ensure a comprehensive view of all aspects of the business. A diverse team’s value lies in providing insights and perspectives beyond your own, offering fresh angles on problems or opportunities. Yet, it’s crucial to stay open to their ideas, creating an environment where team members feel empowered to share their thoughts and expertise.

Think of a hidden tiger in the woods: focusing too much on one thing could make you miss nearby dangers.

Stepping back gives you a bigger picture view to spot risks or opportunities that may not be obvious upfront. This ability to see the bigger picture is vital for effective risk management and strategic planning.

As a technology executive, recognizing these risks and opportunities requires taking a step back periodically. While focusing on details is crucial for specific tasks, it’s equally vital to take a broader view to ensure you’re prioritizing the right ones. This bigger picture view helps you evaluate, prioritize, and allocate resources more effectively, improving decision-making and business results. Balancing detail with the bigger picture is crucial for successful tech leadership in today’s fast-evolving world.

Moreover, keeping an open mind and welcoming diverse perspectives can also lead to innovation and creativity within the team. Different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking can bring a fresh approach to problem-solving and decision-making. Promoting inclusivity and diversity benefits the business and fosters a dynamic, engaging work environment for all.

Besides fostering team diversity, it’s crucial to stay updated on industry trends beyond your expertise area. This allows you to anticipate potential disruptors or shifts in the market that could impact your business. Stay updated on new tech and industry trends to adapt strategies proactively instead of reacting last minute.

In conclusion, for technology executives, keeping an open mind and stepping back to see the bigger picture is vital for effective risk management, strategic planning, and fostering innovation. Embrace team diversity and stay updated on industry trends to stay ahead and make informed decisions for business success. So always remember, don’t get lost in the weeds, but also don’t overlook the hidden tigers in the woods. Keep a balanced perspective and embrace diverse viewpoints for continued growth and success in the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Click here for a post on avoiding unconscious bias as a tech executive.

You may also like:

How to Work with a Person with a Divergent View

Recovering from a Screw Up

Today was particularly challenging. You made a screw up, and the boss publicly pointed it out during a team meeting. As a tech executive excelling in performance and dedicated to excellence, you’ve noticed limited recognition for hard work, which can be elusive.

While the leadership team acknowledges your ongoing efforts and contributions, it’s disheartening to note the silence from peers. Indeed, upon mentioning the mistake, you observed subtle smirks that were hard to miss, signaling a lack of support or understanding from close colleagues. Even more disconcerting was overhearing two colleagues who seemed to take delight in my error, sharing a private chuckle at your expense. This unexpected behavior prompts a deeper reflection on what drives such reactions.

Recovering from a screw up can be difficult.

But it’s important to remember that we’re all human and prone to mistakes—this is an inescapable part of our shared experience in any workplace. Unfortunately, jealousy is a common trait that often manifests in unpleasant and sometimes hurtful ways. Navigating through such situations effectively can be challenging and requires a thoughtful approach. How would you handle it in a similar scenario?

Remember: You are a top performer who consistently approaches work with professionalism and diligence. Don’t let one incident bring you down. Rise above it and ignore any subtle digs or snide remarks from peers; don’t let them provoke anger or self-doubt.
Discuss with your boss the importance of better communication when addressing issues. While informing the team about relevant issues is crucial, handling blame privately rather than publicly can create a more supportive environment.
Show your peers the right way to respond when a teammate faces similar challenges. Approach them privately with empathy, reminding them of their humanity, and offering your support and understanding. This act of kindness not only helps them but sets a standard of compassion.

In conclusion, by being more compassionate than those who revel in others’ missteps, you contribute to a much healthier and more collaborative workplace culture. As a rising leader, your empathy and understanding will stand out to those in leadership roles, fostering constructive interactions. Recovering from a screw up requires acknowledging it, learning, and preventing its recurrence, turning it into a growth opportunity.

Click here for a post on about how to handle a boss who hates you.

Why Matching Personalities Helps Lead to Success

To excel in your tech executive career, focus on connecting with others by matching personalities during interactions. The key lies in grasping and adjusting to their unique communication styles and personalities. This is important because people like people who are like them. You don’t want to be phony because you want to be your authentic self. However, you also want to be able to adapt and communicate effectively with different types of people.

One way to connect with others is by understanding the four main personality types: dominant, influential, steady, and conscientious. Dominant individuals tend to be assertive and direct in communication, while influential individuals are outgoing and persuasive. Steady individuals are more reserved and cooperative, while conscientious individuals are analytical and detail oriented.

Once you have identified someone’s primary personality type, try mirroring their style of communication.

For example, if you are interacting with a dominant individual, be direct and concise in your messaging. If you are communicating with an influential person, use storytelling techniques or appeal to their emotions. For steady individuals, take a more patient and empathetic approach, and for conscientious individuals, provide them with logical reasoning and evidence.

It is also important to understand that individuals may have a blend of different personality types. In this case, it is best to adapt your communication style based on the situation and the person’s current behavior.

Encouraging authentic self-expression is important. However, adapting communication style and using similar terms when interacting with others can lead to favorable outcomes and effective connections.

For example, in sales, conducting thorough research on clients prior to meetings is crucial. Learning about their interests, including any charitable involvement, can be an effective conversation opener. By understanding their communication style, you can adjust your approach to establish rapport, encourage openness, and foster a sense of commonality in how you communicate.

This technique can also be applied to your boss. Utilize the same approach to build a positive rapport with your leader. Conflicting personalities tend to clash, hindering progress. To advance in your career, it is crucial to comprehend your boss’s working style.

In our upcoming posts, we will delve into the fascinating realm of business chemistry. This scientifically grounded approach offers valuable insights in discerning a person’s distinct personality type. Stay tuned for an exploration of this intriguing topic!

It’s crucial to acknowledge that mirroring or understanding a tech executive’s style boosts the chances of gaining their acceptance.

Click here to see a post on aligning your personality with peers in order to be successful.

You may also like:

Importance of Knowing your Business Personality Style

What is an Ambivert

Managing a Micromanager

Treat Employees the Way You Want to be Treated

Taking Risks as a Tech Exec Can be Rewarding

“All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it’s impossible) but calculating risk and acting decisively. Make mistakes of ambition and not mistakes of sloth. Develop the strength to do bold things, not the strength to suffer.“
Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

Risk: Every individual encounters daily risks, particularly when veering away from the comfort of routine. Evaluating the repercussions entails a crucial assessment of your strengths and vulnerabilities. As a tech exec, you will inevitably face challenging circumstances where your experience becomes indispensable in navigating tumultuous waters. Capitalizing on the wisdom of a mentor can significantly enhance your risk management capabilities. When a leader requests your trust and urges you to embrace a risky situation, even if it lies outside your comfort zone, have faith in their judgment. They have chosen you for your immense potential.

Here are a few key points to consider in order to overcome risks:

Acclimatize to the new environment:

Before diving into new situations, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the environment and the people. Build relationships regardless of their roles and seek to understand processes, best practices, and leverage others’ experiences for success.

Be comfortable in your shoes:

For success, be confident in your decisions. Recognize the empowerment to make choices you believe in. The support of your leadership and team fosters confidence in making tough calls.

Overcome risks by experience and support of your mentor:

Smart decision makers value and harness the wisdom of experienced individuals. Trust in supportive leadership reduces fear of taking risks.

Be fearless and prepared for the unknown:

Every risk carries smaller unknown risks. Fear of repercussions hinders exploring all available options, resulting in self-imposed limitations and narrow operations.

Taking risks are an inherent part of our daily lives, some we choose to take consciously, while others happen unbeknownst to us. Embrace career risks and watch yourself soar to new heights with smart choices and the right support network. By stepping outside your comfort zone and taking calculated chances, you open the door to new opportunities and personal growth. Progress and success await those willing to take the leap!

Click here for a post on smart investing and understanding the carry trade.

You may also like:

The Evolution of Smart Buildings

Imposter Syndrome as a Tech Executive

Value of Expat Assignments for Technology Executives