A C-level leader must be optimistic but cautious. They must identify potential opportunities, even in crises, and be equipped to read the room for risks. Add to that, today’s volatile, shaky socio-economic terrain, set in the backdrop of post-pandemic uncertainties, along with the global movement towards digital, and the result is a more complex and demanding role.

For first-time corporate leaders, this rollercoaster experience is often magnified. While every emerging C-suite leader may have read plenty of articles and studies about the traits and skills they need to navigate crisis situations and drive growth, the psychological and emotional complexities of the job may still be surprising. This is a good time to share that presently, 63% of millennials believe their employers are not helping/ training them to fully develop as leaders for management positions. This, along with a myriad of other reasons, point to the need for putting a premium on developing the next generation of leaders. Providing practical opportunities to contribute to the company vision, learn, develop, and demonstrate leadership skills, and create windows for informal training coupled with formal, in-person coaching and workshops - these are all equally vital pieces of the leadership training puzzle.

However, in preparing to be a C-suite leader, it must be noted that being among the highest-ranking executive in a company is a lot less glamorous than it seems. It comes with its share of mundane but monumental responsibilities. For CEOs it includes things like managing daily operations, setting and executing organizational strategy together with the board of directors, and building/ strengthening the C-suite. For a CIO, it could be initiating training programs across the organization, or expanding their IT resources. Having closely observed and enabled the transition of many senior leaders and executives into the role of a C-level executive, here are 3 things I believe first-time leaders should always remember:

1. People do what they see

   As part of an organization’s leadership team, you personify the culture, values, vision, and belief system of your company. People, across the organization, will always look to you to set the tone for the business and its people. At every step, employees are closely watching how their leaders behave but this becomes even more important during a crisis. Part of being a leader means being under constant scrutiny. Every move, action, and decision holds immense value. But, leaders can leverage the fact that their behavior holds a symbolic value. They can use their position to inculcate values that serve the business and its people. Leading by example - showing up as compassionate and authentic leaders even in the most trying times, can have a positive impact on employees and their relationship with the company.

2. You are not always in control

   Being the top leader of a company comes with a lot of benefits and privileges but being in control of everything is not one of them. This is a strong takeaway from the pandemic and the months that followed. Leading through a wavering economic climate, the constant threat of uncertainty and whispers about a global recession is challenging, to say the least. Navigating these rough terrains is a lot easier when one embraces the discomfort of unpredictability and keeps their eyes focused on the bigger picture. The key is to remember that the only thing you can control is how you respond to a challenge, whether a failure or a crisis. Are you willing to learn from your mistakes and move forward? How open are you to change and how ready are you to adapt?

3. It does not have to be so lonely

   While speaking about leading through uncertainty, another essential element is collaboration. Leaders, regardless of their title, cannot afford to operate in isolation. Collaboration is not just essential between teams but also between business leaders and C-suite members. For leaders to make successful and sustainable business decisions, they must identify the people who will help move the needle on their vision. A company, of any size, cannot have a disconnected leadership team. It is critical to seek solutions and knowledge from peers and those you lead.

Compassion, courage, and collaboration put together can help leaders inspire and influence people, and breed trust and accountability at individual and collective levels.

On a parting note

Every leader’s journey will be unique, and with the changing times, they will need to evolve as well. But there are a few essential, and timeless behaviors, values, and skills that every leader needs to embody to always create value. Like all leadership skills, leading by example, being vulnerable, authentic, and collaborative, can all be learned. It is important for emerging and new C-level leaders to surround themselves with a trusted group of advisors, mentors, and executive coaches, to minimize the feeling of isolation, avoid burnout, and accelerate growth.