3 Signs Executives Should Explore A Career Pivot

What Got You There Won't Keep You There

As you focus on landing that first executive title, the emphasis is on developing all your skills so that you are viewed as someone who can handle the pressure of the role. Your abilities to lead people, manage projects, and keep accountability and fiscal responsibility are just a few of the things evaluated to ensure you will deliver on the job. But, once you are there and doing the job well, a new level of expectation sets in.

Being able to do the job is no longer enough.

Now, people want to see your specialty, aka what makes you stand out as a high-performing executive, making it tougher for the organization to be successful without you. This is when you should find your niche within the company.

Here are three warning signs this could be challenging in your current job:

1. No History Of Upward Mobility

If the same people have been in charge for years and aren't planning on going anywhere, then the likelihood you'll get one of their jobs someday is pretty slim. This is especially true if the company isn't growing and expanding in a way that would create more opportunities.

2. Culture Clash With Key Players

If you butt heads with one or more fellow executives, especially ones that have been there longer than you, this could hold you back from any key roles that would require their buy-in and on-going support.

3. Lack Of Autonomy

If you find you can't make any decisions on how to change or grow your department without first getting approval, then you won't be able to claim ownership for conceptualizing and executing strategy.

While you may seek input and approval on some things, having to get consent for all decisions shows lack of trust and respect from the company and doesn't help you grow your confidence and abilities as an executive.

How Executives Can Do Their Job & Look For A New One

If you are experiencing one or more of these roadblocks, you may want to explore what other options are available to you.

Using a confidential executive search service like Lucas Group enables you to privately put the word out that you are open to conversations about making a move. Plus, they can filter out and only present you with opportunities that offer the chance for you to build up that specialty you need to stay solidly at the executive level.

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Executive roles are demanding, and can often make us put exploring other opportunities on the back burner. Unfortunately, finding the right executive position can take a year or more.

Waiting until things get to a point where you need to leave is not the best option. Even if you have a great exit package, finding yourself out of a job and looking for work full-time will put you at a disadvantage. Remember: It's much easier to get a job as an executive when you have a job.

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This is a sponsored conversation written by J.T. O'Donnell on behalf of Lucas Group. The opinions and text are all hers.