Taking Off in a New Role: Reflections From Top Management

The purpose of this technical note is to explore some of the initial actions that should be taken when starting out in a top management position through the experience of the president and CEO for Spain of a global U.S. financial services company - one of the 30 most prestigious companies in the United States - and three other senior executives from different sectors. It also addresses the competencies and characteristics that define an effective leader and the management of the criteria that will help stave off foreseeable errors. The initial adaptation period is ideally between three and six months. Generally speaking, the mistakes that may be committed are primarily due to a lack of personal maturity, not enough information or improper handling of the situation. However, their consequences can color the entire tenure, and thus the fate, of the executive.