The most powerful strength for senior executives

One of the skills that will often set an executive apart from one of his/her counterparts is a skill that is most often possessed by engineers. 

In fact an individual who possesses this skill in addition to possessing leadership qualities can pretty well write their own ticket.

What is that skill?

The drive to determine and perform "route cause analysis."  It is a skill set that I continually appreciate when meeting successful executives who have been able to overcome business challenges of all sizes.

It obviously helps to be someone who is analytically inclined to begin with in order to identify inaccuracies before they get bigger, but someone who can attack and resolve the cause of an issue is able to reduce downtown, reverse poor performance faster and gain a better understanding of their business.  Does that skill sound like it could be helpful?

The best people at route cause analysis are usually people who continue to test theories and concepts to fix systems that are not working.  The more types of tests that someone develops and conducts seems to increase their confidence level in both their testing and problem solving skills.  It is not uncommon for executives with this skill to feel comfortable in conducting route cause analysis in areas where they may have little to zero knowledge.

It is unfortunate that this is a skill that is often nurtured in science focused disciplines.  If you are in tune with which areas of North American universities are underutilized, under serviced and under attended by students, you will realize that it is this area.  Part of the reason is that job prospects are not as prevalent in this areas immediately upon graduation, but for the individuals who are able to learn and build their skill set in this area, and then transition to an industry where they are able to monetize their entire skill set, they can set themselves up for great success.

Farewell,

Mike