In this context, C is for "chief," as in chief executive and chief operating officer. Most organizations consider C-level officers to be their most powerful and influential members. This group of executives sets the company's strategy, makes high-stakes decisions, and ensures day-to-day operations are aligned with the company's strategic direction.
C-level executives must have strong leadership and communication skills, as well as team-building abilities.
A C-suite executive sets the direction of the function they oversee and then hires the staff to ensure the daily operations are aligned with the plan. Due to their high level of responsibility within their departments, C-level executives rarely participate in day-to-day management activities.
The number of positions and the kinds of titles within the C-suite vary from company to company and reflect each organization's missions and maturity.
Those who succeed at C-level positions have a combination of leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
These leaders think strategically & play a strong role in shaping a vision for the organization's future. They have the ability to rally employees around the strategic vision and emulate the traits and behaviors valued by the organization's leadership.
