What key skills do i need before i can get a senior management job?

Question

I've been working in the travel industry for almost 10 years selling technology on both sides of the supply chain. I'm currently a group sales manager reporting to the MD, have a couple of people under me and am consistently interacting with senior managers both internally and externally.

Its easy for me to 'open doors' based upon my reputation and knowledge of the industry and my current CEO calls daily with new challenges or a 'talk to so and so' request to get a relationship going which may prove fruitful in future.

I'm eager to now move into a Senior Management position e.g. Sales Director or equivalent and wonder if i have any skills missing which may be holding me back? Or put another way what skills do you absolutely need before these doors open up?

Answer 1

You need to learn how to please your managing director ;)

Answer 2

I worry that you feel you have to write this question. If you are a Group Sales Manager you are already in a senior position. If you think you should be an MD. You will need to find another company looking for an MD. Get to social functions and trade shows. Get known outside your company. Be first , be upfront, be the man a new company will want. You have to put your face out there top jobs are available to the people who go after them.

Answer 3

Your problem is not getting offered the job, its your motivation and approach.

You are in a mangagement position now, you are senior sales Director. You don't have the CEO calling you weekly to make sure your doing it right, you have him calling you daily asking your input. You have him just where you want him, you just need to do something about it.

Why not go to your boss, state your desire to go into new areas of development etc, and raise your justifications for this belief. Tell them you want to go further, and they should offer you a higher position, or tell you what options they could offer you.

I think its time you called an appraisal with your boss!!!!

Answer 4

It's often not what you know, but who you know. The corporate world can be a rat race and your advancement usually depends upon the approval of others. Of course, it does sound like you've gone pretty far already.

I think that when people seek to advance, starting their their own business should often be a consideration, especially if you can take the knowledge you've acquired and apply it.

Answer 5

Why is everyone with blond, why aren't you just have jet black tresses with some blonde or blonde curly hair with some jet black hair. Now you don't have to choose.

Answer 6

As John Lennon sang in "Working Class Hero".......There's room at the top, they are telling you still, but first you must learn how to smile as you kill.

Answer 7

contacts is key smchooz to get it