You’ve made it!  Welcome.  Here you are.  You’ve built a career, climbed, and jumped through career stepping stones with the aim of arriving right here.  The Executive level of leadership.  You are terrified and excited, nervous and energised.   You have seen others do it and stepped in at various times, so you know what to expect.  You have your views on what works well and what doesn’t.  You have observed others operate at this level seamlessly, and some struggle through it.  You are going in with a curious mindset.  You are determined to continue to learn, and at the same time, you know what has led to your success so far. 

But…

The view from this spot is different.  Different from what you thought it would be.  It’s a lot cloudier up here.  From below, it seemed easier and clearer.  You don’t have all the answers.  This makes you feel uneasy as you usually do have the answers.  Others come to you for the answers.  So now what if you don’t know?  What will they think of you?  Will they regret their decision to promote you?  Will you be seen as a fake? Someone not deserving of this role?  Why is it so hard?  You felt ready, so now why do you feel inadequate?

On the other side of this unease is comfort.  But nothing comfortable ever comes with initial ease.  The period of discomfort is like breaking into a new pair of shoes or softening the leather on a new couch.  We mold to it, and it molds to us.  As we ease in, it feels comfortable and familiar.

We realise that at this next level, what we know provides a solid foundation that supports us, but it is just a base. We now have to build on this base.  We have a platform to develop our executive-level competence.    What we were known to be exceptional at may now be done by others.  So, we find something new to be exceptional in.  We have a different role now.  We set the vision.  We figure out the goals.  We work through others.  We relinquish the role of technical or subject matter expert.  We operate in ambiguity, where finding out the answers is the job.  Our value is not in the operational busy level but rather at the strategic, sometimes slower level.  It’s a reduced pace with greater breadth and depth. 

If it takes some time to adjust to this level, know that you are growing into the role.  What progress are you making?  What feedback are you receiving?  How fulfilled are you?

Any jump requires courage, vulnerability, energy, and conviction.  This step to the Executive level is no different.

Go get’em!