Executive leaders hold valuable positions in organizations across sectors and around the world. These leaders are well compensated for their high level of responsibility, but they must also have key skills to do their jobs well. Students can learn these skills as part of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Various MBA degrees offer specific training for future executive leaders. This route, such as the online MBA with a concentration in Executive Leadership program by Avila University, allows those with leadership aspirations to accelerate their education and give themselves a better chance to pursue their goals in the job market.
What Is Executive Leadership?
The umbrella term “executive leadership” covers many different roles. These include senior manager, director, vice president, senior vice president and members of the “C-suite,” like CEO, CFO, CLO, CMO and more.
These corporate titles designate a high ranking within the hierarchy of an organization, which correlates to the amount of influence and responsibility these team members wield. Executive leaders are responsible for directing groups towards a common goal. They deal with big-picture thinking and planning and help the rest of the organization achieve goals via their oversight.
Executive Leadership Skills
Being an effective executive leader requires many skills, some of which overlap with general leadership ability. However, executives have something extra to offer. For example, in an article by Vistage, CEOs and coaches agreed that time management is a vital skill, since other employees look to executives for organization and structure that sets the tone for the entire company.
Executives also set the tone by taking responsibility for their decisions and playing to their strengths. As CEO Becky Sharpe explains in the Vistage article, “Just like a seed, what gets watered grows. To further develop and build on strengths, I practice them and write about them. I also share my desire to improve my strength with people who can hold me accountable and encourage me to do so.” Meanwhile, when missteps occur, executives should use the opportunity for growth rather than shaming fellow employees.
Leaders can also focus on opportunities by looking ahead and staying on top of innovations and trends. It is also vital that forward-thinking leaders involve their co-workers in projects so everyone feels a stake in what is to come, especially regarding big changes.
This also ties into having a sense of care for fellow employees and prioritizing the organization as a whole. Employees need to feel heard and valued, and executives can do that by listening to their ideas and communicating clearly about their implementation.
Why Should You Pursue an Executive Leadership MBA Online From Avila University?
Many people considering entering the business world will look at MBA degrees. However, choosing a degree with a specified concentration, such as in executive leadership, can help when honing the required skills and expertise. Indeed points out several useful things to consider about such degrees: “Before earning this degree, it’s important for individuals to consider whether they’re committed to furthering their career in business, if they have the time required to dedicate to the program and whether they can achieve their professional goals without this credential.“
The program works well for those who have already begun their leadership journey. The flexibility allows students to work full time while developing key skills. Whether you are far into your career or just at the start, a program like Avila University’s online MBA in Executive Leadership might be the perfect next step in achieving your executive leadership goals.
Learn more about Avila University’s online MBA with a concentration in Executive Leadership program.
