How to demonstrate your executive potential

 

Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things… but people still don’t see you as “leadership material”?   You’re not alone. At a certain level, performance isn't the problem.   Perception is.   You don’t get promoted when you’re ready. You get promoted when people believe you’re ready. And that belief? It’s shaped by how you think, how you show up, and how you communicate — long before you ever get the title.   So if you want to be seen as executive material, here are four simple (but powerful) ways to start showing it now.

1. Think Like a Business Leader (Not an Operator) You don’t need to have all the answers. But you do need to ask better questions.   Executives operate with a wide lens — they connect dots across teams, trends, and timelines. You can start doing the same.   Try this: Block 30 minutes each week to step out of the day-to-day and reflect.   Ask yourself: What trends or changes am I noticing across the company or market? What might this mean for our strategy or goals? Where can I connect the dots others aren’t seeing yet?   Then share just one of those insights — in a meeting, an email, or a 1:1. Doesn’t have to be revolutionary. Just thoughtful.   Why this works: You start sounding like someone who thinks at the right altitude. And that changes how people see you.   2. Look for Opportunities to Drive Impact You don’t need permission to lead. You need initiative. One of the fastest ways to shift perception is to step into work that stretches you — especially if it’s aligned with company priorities.   Where to look: Cross-functional projects where you can represent your team/department Initiatives tied to company-wide priorities where there’s visibility with leadership Lingering problems that everyone’s tired of talking about   Instead of waiting to be asked, try: “I noticed we’re trying to [X], but it’s stuck because of [Y]. I’d love to take a first stab at a solution.”   Why this works: Executives get noticed for making progress on business-critical work not just checking boxes. You’re not waiting to be handed scope. You’re claiming it.   3. Speak Like a Decision-Maker Want to earn credibility fast? Communicate like an exec. That means leading with the point not the process or the 17 meetings that led us here.   Use the BLUF method: Bottom Line Up Front.   Before you present anything, ask yourself: What’s the most important takeaway? What decision, input, or support do I need? Why does this matter to the business?   Example: “We’re seeing a 10% drop in signups — I recommend testing a new CTA this week. If we wait, we could lose another 500 leads.” Then walk them through your reasoning.   Why this works: Executives scan for clarity. When you give them the signal without the noise, they trust you more — and see you as one of them.   BONUS: Show You Understand What the Role Requires Perception isn’t just about how likable or capable you are. It’s about whether people believe you’re ready for what the next level actually demands.   At the VP level, here’s what people are looking for: Strategic thinking Executive presence Proactive ownership   Want to shape that perception? Use this 2-step playbook: 1. Demonstrate it Pick one expectation above and look for ways to model it daily. Example: Speak to business outcomes, not just tasks. Or: Stay calm and decisive when tensions rise.   2. Reinforce it Use language that reflects the role: “Here’s how this ladders up to our strategic priorities.”“I want to get ahead of this before it becomes urgent.” “Let’s think through the long-term impact.”   Why this works: You’re not just doing the job you have — you’re signaling you’re ready for the job you want.

Your Next Steps You don’t need a new title to show up differently. You need intention.   Most people wait to be tapped on the shoulder. But if you want to move up, you have to start showing up like the person you want to become.   Think like a business leader. grow your impact. Communicate with clarity and confidence.   When you start behaving like an executive, before you have the title; you become the obvious choice.   You’ve got what it takes, let’s make sure everyone else can see it too. Pick one of these strategies and try it once this week.