Software executives, in many ways, live in two worlds. They must have strong software chops and the ability to speak in technical jargon to their team. Yet they must also be top business executives who are able to command respect, negotiate tactfully, and bring together highly diverse stakeholders. Here are some key qualities of successful software executives.
Technical Skills
Moving to a top position is no excuse for losing technical skills. A successful software executive must remain committed to maintaining her skills at the highest level and continually learning new skills as technology evolves. Software executives must speak the language of their team, and they must be able and willing to roll up their sleeves and dig into code when a crisis arises.
Support and Service
A software company is nothing without the people who build the software. A successful executive is supportive of team members, individually and as a unit. He has a spirit of service to the team and works hard to remove barriers and to empower them, helping them grow into their full potential.
Leadership
Software companies can be highly competitive, not only with other companies but also within. A successful software executive knows how to promote the type of healthy competition that pushes each team to be its best, while squelching negative competition that can divide the company. She also knows how to create a coherent vision and sell it to multiple internal and external stakeholders, and how to keep expansive projects on track and on budget.
Team Building
No successful executive is an island. A top software executive understands how to delegate, how to mentor others, and how to choose the right people for the right positions. Building a strong support team allows the executive to focus on what he does best, while delegating other tasks to people who excel in them. It also creates a panel of trusted advisors who can weigh in on significant decisions.
Communication
A strong software executive is a master communicator. She knows how to facilitate conversations rather than dictating what needs to be done. She is articulate and can clearly explain complex technical topics to different stakeholders, she can lay out a coherent framework quickly, and she can quickly sum up problems without rambling. She is equally comfortable pitching to a crowd or working one on one with a new hire who needs additional training.
Finding a top software executive is not easy. Many people have the technical skills but not the leadership skills, or are excellent business executives with weak software skills. When you find just the right person, though, it will be well worth the wait. An excellent software executive can take your company to the next level, catapulting your company well above your competitors.
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If you are ready to get started with an executive search firm that will stand with you every step of the way, contact Torch Group today at 1-833-99-TORCH (86724).