Your C-Suite Action Plan: A Guide for New Executives

You’ve just stepped into the C-Suite—what should your first move be? Should you start by meeting with key stakeholders or dive into planning a bold strategy for growth? There’s no universal blueprint for stepping into an executive role. That’s why it’s important to listen to trusted mentors and build a flexible action plan before jumping into execution.

New executives should ask: Who are your allies? Who are your detractors? What’s your mission in this role? Bernice Ang, a senior leader and executive coach, offers five steps to help you succeed in the C-Suite.

1. Find your Purpose.

New leaders need to clearly understand how their role fits into the organization. What challenges are you here to solve? What is the mission of your company, and how does your purpose align with that?

Once you have clarity on your purpose, articulate your vision. Ensure that every project and strategic initiative supports this vision. From senior leadership to new hires, everyone should understand your position’s purpose and share your vision.

2. Start with 3-5 Priorities.

Translate your purpose and vision into a few focused priorities—this will serve as your roadmap. Focusing on the most impactful activities helps you stay on course and avoid distractions. Anything outside of these priorities shouldn’t consume resources.

3. Build & Empower Your Team.

Whether you can build your team from scratch or inherit an existing one, take time to understand each team member’s goals and strengths. Schedule sessions to get to know your team on a deeper level.

If you do have the chance to create your team, prioritize diversity. A diverse team brings fresh ideas and allows you to see challenges from all angles. Once you have the right people in place, empower them to grow in their careers and take ownership of their work. Being a supportive and empathetic leader fosters loyalty and enthusiasm.

4. Disciplined Execution.

Successful leaders know that execution is key. As Bernice Ang advises execution often makes up 80% of the job. Leaders sometimes get caught up in strategy and forget to zoom back in. Having an operational partner can help guarantee that your vision becomes a reality across the organization.

5. Continuous Development, Learning, and Measuring

Set up systems to measure progress and offer opportunities for your team to learn. Regularly tracking results helps you stay on top of your goals. Create a feedback loop where progress informs development and learning, ensuring your team continues to improve and grow.

Lastly, Listen to your Mentors

As you step into your executive role, don’t forget the role a mentor plays in your leadership development. Mentors and executive coaches can help you refine your vision, communicate more effectively, and stay focused on the bigger picture. They’re your sounding board during this transition—don’t hesitate to lean on them.

See more tips for a successful C-Suite transition in our article, Your First 100 Days in the C-Suite: A Guide for New Executives.