Secret of the C-Suite – the executioner

Have you ever wondered, in any field or sport, what differentiates the ordinary and the extra-ordinary, the leader and the follower, the linchpin and the layman, the achiever and the superstar, the ship and the sink, the best and the rest. Finding an answer to these terms will explore the ‘Secret of the C-Suite’. Its well known that, the world of corporate is going through a profound change and surviving and sustaining in a time of extra-ordinary economic uncertainty and exceptional turbulence even after multibillion dollar bailout from government to companies impacted by ‘The Great’ recession during 2008-2009 (i.e) the challenges of changes are myriad. Companies face intense competition on market share rivalry, increased cost, decreased margins, threat of new entrants as substitutes and etc., Companies may lay down lucrative business models and strategy to avoid being getting into a sea of red ink and finding the blue ocean. However, Invincible and blue chip companies are the ones that mastered the simple term ‘Execution’(of strategy/idea). Failure on execution, will be eaten. As world renowned business strategist and CEO coach, Ram Charan puts it, ‘Execution’ is more of a discipline than a mere attempt of experimenting. It is a strange fact that ‘Execution’ has got only one meaning in all the dictionaries (i.e.) getting things done / carrying out the committed.

What matters now!

Going back and probing the designations of the entry level employees, interestingly, in most organizations the designation does not differ. Executive-HR, Executive- Admin, Executive – QA, Business Development Executive and after few months this becomes ‘Senior Executive’. The title for employees will always be ‘Executive’ for initial few years and not other jargons, is, only after learning and mastering the rules of getting things done, he/she starts growing as a Lead, Manger and etc., later becomes a ‘Mentor’ on Execution.

The Idea!

In a typical organization, especially in large multinational companies, Execution is not easier for a beginner. They are instructed to perform what is informed. Because the top bird is accountable for success and failure of the tasks/activities performed in the organization. Hence, Execution, is top-down approach than a bottom-up. Incubation and execution of an idea needs support from management and caress from the peer-group and beneficiaries. However, striking the right chord to be resonant make things easier to get it done.