Moving from a supervisory or managerial role into a senior leadership position such as director or vice president isn’t simply a matter of more years on the job. It’s about demonstrating readiness to lead at a broader, more strategic level. If you’re aiming for that next step, here are some practical ways to position yourself.
1. Think beyond your team
Managers excel at getting results through their teams. Directors and VPs are expected to take a wider lens. Begin to look at how your function fits into the organization’s overall goals. Where does your team’s work add measurable value to revenue, growth, or long-term strategy? When you start speaking in terms of organizational impact, you’ll be seen as someone ready for the bigger picture.
2. Strengthen cross-functional relationships
At higher levels, success depends on influence and collaboration across departments. Build relationships outside of your immediate group—finance, operations, sales, HR—and show that you can work across boundaries. This helps you develop perspective and demonstrates that you can operate as part of the senior leadership team.
3. Develop executive communication skills
Directors and VPs need to simplify complexity. Learn to present information in a clear, concise, and actionable way for senior audiences. Whether it’s a board update or a briefing to your CEO, practice distilling detail into key insights and recommendations.
4. Build your business acumen
Broader leadership roles demand a grasp of the financial, operational, and market forces shaping your organization. Take the time to learn how your company makes money, what drives profitability, and where the risks are. A leader who understands the business as a whole will always be more credible.
5. Take on strategic projects
Seek opportunities that go beyond day-to-day management. Volunteering for special initiatives, transformation efforts, or new market entries allows you to showcase strategic thinking and adaptability. These assignments are often proving grounds for future senior leaders.
6. Cultivate your leadership brand
Senior roles require not only results but presence. How do others experience you? Do you inspire confidence, trust, and clarity? Pay attention to the reputation you’re building inside and outside the organization. Thoughtful networking, mentoring, and even contributing to your industry’s conversations can all help shape your professional brand.
7. Seek out mentors and sponsors
Mentorship provides guidance, while sponsorship opens doors. Identify senior leaders who can give you candid feedback, challenge your assumptions, and advocate for your growth. Many executives attribute their advancement not just to performance, but to the visibility and support of key sponsors.
Final thought
Moving from management to executive leadership is less about doing more of the same and more about elevating how you think, act, and influence. By broadening your scope, strengthening your relationships, and sharpening your strategic impact, you’ll be positioning yourself as the natural choice for the next opportunity.