The Challenges Of Being A C-Suite Executive And How To Overcome Them

04 March 2024

C-suite leadership is a challenging position. The top executives are responsible for setting an organization’s strategic direction and ensuring its long-term success.

The prestige of a top leader comes with high salaries and a seat at the table for major business decisions.

However, this prestige comes with unexpected stresses. This stress can impact personal and professional life if not managed properly.

A PwC 2018 CEO survey found that 83% of new CEOs get internal promotion to their role. However, those hired for CEO jobs from outside the company often receive more attention and support during their transition.

Therefore, companies often overlook the challenges associated with their ascension.

Similarly, despite the challenges, these individuals differ in character from those brought in from outside.

By addressing and overcoming these challenges, C-suite leaders can ensure the success of their organizations.

C-Suite Jobs: How To Overcome The Challenges?

Given below are some of the stressful challenges faced by most CEOs around the world and how you can overcome them—

1. Fighting Off The Imposter Syndrome

Making it to the C-suite is challenging. It comes with the constant pressure to perform and meet targets. Hence, it is stressful, especially during times of crisis or uncertainty.

Moreover, being accountable for your team’s and the entire organization’s actions can sit heavy on your shoulders.

Consequently, one common feeling in the C-suite is imposter syndrome. Here, an individual doubts their accomplishments and fears being accused of fraud. This can lead to feelings of not belonging or not qualified for the position.

The intense scrutiny of a high-profile position can make it challenging to take risks or try new approaches. This can stifle innovative leaders.

It often makes the individual feel like they are not just a team member anymore but are now in charge.

Therefore, you must focus on your accomplishments to address imposter syndrome or any form of self-doubt.

Remind yourself of your expertise, and seek support from a mentor or coach to cultivate self-compassion. Moreover, as a leader in an organization, you must let go of unrealistic expectations or perfectionism.

2. Dealing With The Lack Of Clarity

The upper management often tends to assume that everything is running smoothly. However, they only realize the issues when it is too late.

This happens due to a lack of visibility and clarity in the company’s day-to-day operations.

The C-suite executives rely on information from department heads and middle managers. This can distort or filter reality, leading to an inaccurate view of reality or complex and unclear information.

Therefore, it can create significant problems that go unnoticed until too late.

To improve data-driven decision-making, organizations should visualize their business and its layers, maintain data reliability and integrity, and promote faster data-driven decision-making.

A data strategy tailored to the company’s needs helps achieve data clarity. It ensures the integrity of the data used to inform key business decisions.

Finally, consolidating business data and promoting the sharing of insights across teams can help leaders ensure data clarity and the accuracy of their decisions.

3. Preventing Ego To Distort Clarity

In the business world, success can sometimes lead to complacency within the C-Suite, creating a false sense of security and impeding adaptation to changing market conditions or new technologies.

This can result in groupthink. Here, dissenting opinions get suppressed, stifling critical analysis. Thus, it makes the C-Suite blind to potential risks and challenges.

Organizations should embrace digital transformation and leverage disruption to ensure long-term success and competitiveness.

According to 83% of project managers, digital transformation has moderately or significantly impacted their work over the past five years.

Therefore, organizations should adopt an agile approach to project management. They must continuously evaluate shifting market dynamics, new technologies, and innovation to deliver against strategy.

4. Lacking Farsightedness

C-suite executives often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This attitude can lead to decisions that harm the company in the long run.

Such decisions can result in insufficient investment in critical areas like research and development. However, these are essential for the business’s long-term health.

Moreover, a CEO solely focused on short-term profits may refrain from investing in new technology. The ever-evolving technology can help companies remain competitive in the long run.

Therefore, such organizations prioritize investment in developing strategy over proper execution.

However, there appears to be a disconnect between executive leaders and project managers on strategy implementation funding.

This suggests organizations may not leverage the optimum focus and investment to deliver against strategy.

5. Fighting Loneliness And Isolation

The C-suite often faces unexpected stress due to the isolation it often brings.

Top leaders often make difficult decisions that impact many people’s lives but with limited support or input from others.

This isolation can amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can further exacerbate stress and anxiety.

Moreover, maintaining relationships outside of work can become challenging, and the pressure to always be “on” is exhausting.

Therefore, leaders should acknowledge their need for support, seek an executive coach, or join a mastermind group with diverse leaders to overcome this isolation.

Moreover, prioritizing finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial. You must let your team know they are human. This helps build trust and allows them to feel comfortable sharing with turn.

6. Accepting The Shift From A Peer To The Boss

When CEOs are promoted from within the company, they often find themselves leading colleagues who were once their peers or superiors.

This is a particularly tricky situation. Consequently, lingering tensions or resentments can complicate the new leader’s job.

In addition, the CEO must quickly assess all direct reports and stakeholders, building their team and reenlisting people they want to keep through early conversations.

This process requires careful consideration and judgment, as the new leader must determine which team members are best suited for their roles and which may need to be replaced.

Through this process, new leaders can establish themselves as effective managers and confidently navigate the challenges of their new roles.

7. Organize Yourself For The New Role

It is common for CEOs who are promoted from within a company to face challenges when transitioning to their new roles.

On the other hand, externally hired CEOs tend to receive more support. However, providing equal opportunities for all CEOs to succeed is essential.

The board, senior management team, HR executives, and communications executives are vital in this process.

Therefore, a newly promoted CEO should understand their challenges and develop a plan to overcome them with organizational support to lead effectively.

Read Also:

Leave A Lasting Impression On Your Interviewer

Shahnawaz Alam

Shahnawaz is a passionate and professional Content writer. He loves to read, write, draw and share his knowledge in different niches like Technology, Cryptocurrency, Travel,Social Media, Social Media Marketing, and Healthcare.

View all posts

Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? – Top Utility Jobs

Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? I think you are searching for more reasons to consider your career in the utility industry. Meanwhile, in order to work in this industry, you will be asked to work at a big power station in the North Sea or the center of nowhere. On the other hand, the future of public utilities is bright, and there are various opportunities in the same. The individuals who are working in public utilities provide all the essential stuff to the public. What Do You Mean By Public Utilities? A public utility is an organization that maintains the infrastructure for public service. These services are meant to fulfill the basic needs of the public, such as electricity, gas, water, and other communication systems that illustrate much of the public utility market. Public utilities generally include some parts, i.e., basic utilities, energy, and natural gas. This modern world would not be able to survive without this. Now, the key players in the utility sector consist of: Service providers and retailers: These are the last segments in the supply chain, selling to the final consumers directly. Traders And Marketers: These individuals purchase and buy the actual goods and create further complex derivate products, combined services, and structured products. Network Operators: Distribution network operators, regional network operators, and grid operators sell access to their networks to retail service providers. Generators: Collect or create the particular product to be used by customers. Example: Water & Electricity. Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path In 2023? Yes, a public utility is absolutely a great career path who are looking for long-term benefits and high rewards. Besides, many jobs in this area need some technical expertise, such as considering a career path in electric utilities. Working in these sectors is a dream of many due to the several benefits that each employee gets upon retirement. The most popular benefit is the flexibility of the position. Actually, this work enables public utility individuals to determine their own schedules and select their own hours. Thus, these jobs are suitable for those who are willing to stay on the job and complete the work on time. The skills required in this sector also fit other industries. What Do Public Utilities Jobs Pay? Now onto the most significant aspect of the subject. How much do jobs in public utilities pay? You have arrived at your destination if that is the response you are looking for. Public utilities jobs, according to reports, pay nearly $58,000 annually on average. This sector employs a large number of people. Some of them are safety engineers, while others are linemen in the public utilities industry. The post or position an employee holds determines the nature of their work in the public utilities industry. However, it is the responsibility of each and every one of them to ensure that the infrastructure they are working on is properly maintained. A portion of individuals who are laborers of the public utilities are liable for cleaning the region under their influence. However, the others are also in charge of producing the equipment that the industry requires. How Many Jobs Are Available In Public Utilities? In the United States, there are a total of 172,232 individuals who worked for the utility industry, according to the reports of 2020. So, there are more jobs in public utilities than you can ever imagine. Now, let’s proceed to know the best public utility jobs in 2023 that may interest you in the long run. i) Audit Director The Audit Director is an important member of the Business Services Bureau leadership and collaborates closely with senior executives and many more. This is one of the best positions in the public utility sector. ii) Oracle Database Developer Oracle Database Developer is also a good career path in the public utility sector. This role allows the financial systems team to respond quickly and be more efficient in order to increase the capability of Seattle Public Utilities’s financial systems. iii) Government Relations & Legislative Affairs Advisor Another important role in public utilities is Government Relations & Legislative Affairs Advisor. This position plays a strategic role and has the main responsibility for regulatory agencies and state legislation. i) Part-Time Lecturer The Part-time lecturer is responsible for planning the work and how it should be operated. There are also many categories of jobs that fall in this role. V) Utility Billing - Customer Service You can also choose this customer service job in a public utility sector that will develop your skills to a great extent, and you can use the same if you are willing to switch your career to other sectors such as finance consumer services, precious metals, accessory stores, electrical utilities central path, etc. Vi) Field Foreman - Water Utility A field foreman in the water utility department performs supervisory work to assist with the implementation, scheduling, and planning of activities designed to provide quality water services. Vii) Administrative Technician The Administrative Technician possesses great customer service skills and provides comprehensive administrative support to the utility department. At the same time, there is an excellent package for this role and thus, describes why the public utility is a good career path. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):- You've almost reached the end of this article, so it's critical that you know more about everything related to public utilities. You might want to look into some of these frequently asked questions about jobs at public utilities. 1. What Is The Largest Public Utility Company In The World? Ans: PG&E, California, is the largest and most powerful public utility company in the United States. This is the abbreviation that is utilized to allude to the Pacific Gas and Electric Organization, which is situated in California. 2. How Many Types Of Utility Companies Are There? Ans: There are in excess of 1,000 sorts of service organizations on the planet. There are utility services that are owned by individuals or the government. Retail, wholesale, natural gas, sewage, and other services are common examples of public utility services. 3. Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path? Ans: The public utility sector provides you with the necessary exposure for a variety of job fields, making it an excellent career choice. Additionally, this is a very well-paying job, making it one of the most desired fields. The Final Verdict Is Public Utilities A Good Career Path in 2023? Now you know the reason behind this query in a large number. The above listed are the top job positions that you can consider if you are interested in the public utility sector. Besides, you can mention your other queries in the comment section below if you have any! Further Reading: Is Energy A Good Career Path Is Packaged Foods A Good Career Path Is Business Services A Good Career Path

Top 15 Low-Stress Jobs Without a Degree that Pay You Well!

Considering today’s fast-paced world, it is only natural that more and more people are searching for low-stress jobs that might even come without a degree. You see, not everyone will have the means to pursue a college degree, spend loads of money, and then choose a career in which they will have to hustle until the end. Not everyone is okay with living a life in which they cannot even breathe. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more and more people are now applying for jobs that come with the least amount of stress but several benefits. If you are also tired of your day-to-day life, or have been laid of from a high tech company, and want to take up a job that provides you with enough monetary security and low stress, then I have you covered! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more… Why are People Searching for Low-Stress Jobs? As I already told you, there has been a surge in the search for low-stress jobs worldwide. And you might be thinking, why so? Does it have a lot of benefits? The answer to that is YES. People are always on the run to improve the quality of their lives, so they do not want to add excessive stress. One of the best things low stress can offer is a healthy work-life balance. This balance can allow individuals to spend more time with their families and pursue their hobbies. Additionally, having a low-stress job comes with several health benefits. For instance, chronic stress can lead to health problems. Having a job that ensures you have the time to relax can also contribute to better mental as well as physical health. There is yet another reason why more and more people are looking for low-stress jobs. These jobs come with a degree of autonomy, ensuring you have creative freedom and control over the tasks you are supposed to do! Lastly, these jobs also offer many financial benefits. People automatically flock toward them because they offer stability and security without high-pressure job roles. Best Low-Stress Jobs Without a Degree in 2024! Now that you know about the reasons why people are shifting towards low-stress jobs, it is time for you to get to what you have been searching for the list of the best low-stress jobs without a degree! So, without further ado, let us get straight into it! 1. Courier Firstly, on the list of low-stress jobs that do not need a degree is that of someone who is in courier services. They are responsible for transporting packages and paperwork from one location to another. If you plan to become one, you can ride a bike or drive a car to pick up and drop off the stuff. You may also need to occasionally get the signatures of the people who are at the receiving end of their parcel. This job does not require a degree, offers a flexible schedule, and is definitely not mentally and physically taxing. 2. Floral Designer Secondly, The next one on this list is the job of a floral designer. These are the people who are in charge of flower arrangements for events like birthday parties and weddings. The job of a floral designer does not need a degree. It also offers a flexible work schedule, mainly picking flowers and arranging them to make them look nice. They are also in charge of helping customers choose the flowers. This is a job that lets you use your creativity at work every single day. Additionally, if you are a woman looking for blue collar jobs but want something easier, this is something you are looking for, you might look at this job! 3. Makeup Artist Thirdly, being a makeup artist is something that most people are trying to become. Most of us look at it as a low-stress job because of the fact that it comes with a flexible working schedule. Additionally, you get to be creative and try something new on your clients! You might have seen that several influencers on the internet showcase their creativity. This goes on to prove that you do not even need to have a degree to do this job. All you need to know is how to do make-up and work with cosmetics, and how to experiment! 4. Travel Agent Fourthly, being a travel agent is something that you can try if you want to have a low-stress job that pays you well. They are primarily responsible for making the travel arrangements for their clients. They need to search the greatest deals and book the tickets for traveling, staying, and offer travel guidance. It's a career that involves assisting others and is frequently done online, which contributes to its low-stress factor. 5. Roofer In case you did not know, a roofer is someone who is in charge of the professional construction and installation of the roof. They are also responsible for maintaining and repairing the roofs of their clients. Additionally, they inspect the roofs (in case there are any damages), repair the holes and the broken shingles in the roof, and make it weather resistant. Considering the fact that the tasks of the roofers are seasonal, it ensures that they have the flexibility to work and choose their projects depending on their 6. Hairstylist The next one on this list is the job of being a hairstylist. Similar to makeup artists, these people work with individual clients on specific occasions. They interact with the people while working for themselves or at a salon. While these people do need a license to practice, they do not need an educational degree. All you need to do is enroll in a state-approved program in cosmetology. So, if this is something that you are interested in, it is best that you get to work, as these are some of the growing industries that have literally zero pressure! 7. Painter Are you someone who likes to work with colors? If your answer is yes, then it is best that you become a painter. As a professional service provider, you might have to paint the building, the interior, or the surface. 8. Massage Therapist You probaby did not think that this would be on the list, right? Becoming a massage therapist is frequently regarded as a low-stress job that does not require a degree. Massage therapists operate in peaceful environments, such as spas, and provide treatments to assist clients relax or ease pain. While certification may be required, the employment itself is generally tranquil and provides an opportunity to improve the well-being of others, which may be both rewarding and stress-free. 9. Maintenance Technician If you know how to become an electrician, becoming a maintenance technician will automatically come to you. These people are in charge of keeping a building safe. For this, they evaluate and repair whatever issues a building might face regarding electrical systems, HVAC appliances, and more. You may have seen them work at hospitals and other residential facilities. These people work on a client-to-client basis, which ensures that they have the flexibility to choose their work. 10. Security The next one on this list is the job of a security guard. In most cases, it is considered a low-stress job that doesn't require a degree. Security guards ensure the safety of people and property. They monitor entrances, check visitors, and sometimes work with law enforcement. It's a job with a routine and doesn't typically involve high-pressure situations, making it relatively stress-free. 11. Shipping Clerk Just as the name suggests, the task of a shipping clerk is to manage the shipments that come in and go out of a company. These jobs are considered to be of low stress that you can have without a degree. They primarily handle paperwork, organize packages, and sometimes track inventory. It's usually a routine job with regular hours and not much pressure, making it a good option for those seeking a calmer work environment. 12. Cook As we all know, a cook is a culinary professional that makes meals for customers and guests at various locations. They frequently prepare for shifts by cutting, slicing, chopping, and peeling items and organizing work areas. They then cook and plate meals based on menus and customer choices. Cooks are most commonly found in restaurants, but they are also employed by schools, hotels, medical facilities, nursing homes, and other organizations. 13. Upholsterer An upholsterer uses upholstery, or soft covers, to create and fix furniture. They regularly assist customers in updating outdated furnishings. In order to alter their appearance and enhance comfort, upholstery professionals can also add springs, padding, and fabric to newly purchased couches, chairs, and stools. Upholsterers typically obtain their trade through apprenticeships with seasoned industry professionals or through on-the-job training. 14. Welder Next one on this list is a welder. These are the experts who are responsible for working with metals and fusing them together. For this, they use a welding torch, a specialized instrument that produces extreme heat. They ensure the integrity of the safety equipment they use to safeguard both themselves and other people, inspect materials before welding, and keep the right amount of heat throughout the process. One can witness welders at work on a wide range of machinery and structures, including automobiles, ships, buildings, bridges, and pipelines. 15. Housekeeper Lastly, housekeeping is commonly regarded as a low-stress career that does not require a degree. Housekeepers clean and maintain areas, keeping them tidy and sanitary. They could work at hotels, hospitals, or private residences. The job entails basic duties that may be completed at a regular pace, which many people find manageable and stress-free. Wrapping It Up! If you are searching for the best low-stress jobs without a degree, I hope that this blog has helped you. If you have any questions related to this, please feel free to let me know. All you need to do is scroll down until you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. I will be there to answer them all for you! Learn More Also: Best Paying Jobs In Electric Utilities Central Top 11 Most Dangerous Jobs in the World In 2024 Step-By-Step Guide On Becoming An Esthetician In 2024 How Many Jobs Are Available In Industrial Machinery/Components?

You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

Will a career in real estate work for you? It can be an exciting and challenging career change. Deciding on whether or not a real estate career will work for you depends on your personality. You will discover a new level of independence at work and there will always be new challenges. Before you dive in, consider some of the pros and cons of a career in real estate. Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent: 1) Money – Real estate agents work on a commission. Whenever you sell (or help your clients buy) property, you earn a percentage of that sale. Given that property is usually the most expensive purchase and investment the average family makes, that’s a large chunk of change. There’s no salary cap. If you can find a way to make a million dollars on commissions, there’s no one to put a cap on your earnings the way there would be in a salary job. 2) You’re Your Own Boss – Working as your own boss, you’ve got an unprecedented level of freedom to come and go as you please and vacation when you want. 3) Excitement – Real estate agents are constantly on the move. They’re always out there meeting new people and making new deals. If you’re the type to get bored at a desk job where every day feels the same, a real estate career will shake things up. 4) Knowledge & Experience Pay Off – The more you know, the more you sell. If you love to learn new things and experience more, it’s a career path that will pay off. You will have the chance to become an expert, not just on a neighborhood or types of property, but how to work with people and make sales. Cons of a Real Estate Career: 1) Getting Started – The flipside of working in a commission-based industry is that it takes time to get started. If you’re working for yourself, there’s no one to pay your salary when you’re not making sales. It will take time before you can find clients and make sales, so be prepared financially to survive until you get the ball rolling. Many people start off part-time until their careers develop. 2) You Need Discipline – The downside to working as your own boss is that you need discipline. No one’s going to make sales and put money in your pocket if you’re spending all your time at the beach. 3) You Need to Know when to Take a Break – For others, the problem might be the exact opposite. If you’ve got a workaholic streak, you’ll need to discipline yourself to put the work away when it’s time to rest and recharge. Find a way to disconnect from your job and relax. Real estate can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’ve got the personality to thrive in an environment where you’re independent and constantly meeting new challenges. Earning your real estate license is something you can do quickly and cheaply. With online real estate schools like RealEstateU, it doesn’t take long to start getting your real estate license. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in homes or home renovation. Your ability to tell whether a home has hard or soft water will not determine your success as an agent. The ability to work with people, work hard and go above and beyond for your clients will ultimately matter much more! However, the more knowledgeable you are in all facets of real estate, the better you will be at ensuring your clients make educated, long-term decisions. Once you sign up for online real estate classes, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. They will prepare you for your state real estate license exam, and most states require you to complete the courses before you try writing the exam. With online real estate courses from real estate, you get all the resources you need to succeed at your exam, including video/audio lectures, a 200-page PDF textbook, and lessons from top real estate experts. Get started on your career change today. Sign up for online real estate classes and be your own boss. Read Also: How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts Is Computer Software Prepackaged Software A Good Career Path? What Are The Three Components In The Youtube Ecosystem?

The Challenges Of Being A C-Suite Executive And How To Overcome Them