Characteristics of a Successful Executive

Dear Students,

There is always a debate on the characteristics of a successful executive.

The list below brings this out aptly:

1. Strong drive to get ahead.

   
   

2. Ability to take sound decisions.

   
   

3. Willingness to move in conditions of uncertainty.

   
   

4. Respect for others’ drives to achieve.

   
   

5. Ability to aim, plan and organise, involving others in ways which achieve commitment of all concerned.

   
   

6. Ability to explain his / her ideas with clarity and confidence, retaining willingness to listen to others.

   
   

7. Some fear of failing which makes him/her plan and work in ways that will prevent failures.

   
   

8. A strong reality orientation.

   
   

9. Loyalty to overall goals of the organization.

   
   

10. Social skills to work both with groups and individuals.

    
    

Cultivate the above characteristics as you march ahead in your career.

Best wishes,

Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay
(Globsyn Business School)

How to make tough decisions

Dear Students,

If you have a tough decision to make, consider these suggestions from Dr. Barbara Varenhorst, a psychologist and Daralee Schulman, a career and stress management consultant.

• Be aware that you can’t control the outcome of a decision. All you can do is control the decision-making process.

  
  

• Start the process by identifying your wants and needs. Jot them down on paper-even if they are contradictory.
  

• Rank the things you want and need. If you spot contradictory needs, ask yourself, “Which would I choose?”
  

• Gather all the information necessary to make that decision. Look at alternatives, consequences, advantages and disadvantages. Don’t let your emotions interfere with this process. Be as objective as possible.
  

• Determine how much of risk you are willing to take. Once you have done this, consider these strategies:
  
  - Choose the safest alternative , the one that can’t fail.
  
  - Pick the option with the best odds for success.
  
  - Select the alternative with the most desirable outcome, despite high odds for its success.
  
  - Picture how you would deal with negative consequences.

Be effective in making tough decisions !

Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay

(Globsyn Business School)

Accentuate the Positive

Dear Students,

Hang on the walls of your mind the memory of your success.

Take counsel of your strength, not your weakness. Think of the good jobs you have done.

Think of the times when you rose above your average level of performance and carried out an idea or a dream or a desire for which you had deeply longed.

Hang those pictures on the walls of your mind, and look at them as you travel the highway of life.

Best wishes,

Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay
Globsyn Business School