Whether you aspire to such a lofty position, or not, when you pay attention to the differentiating factors you will be more effective, feel more fulfilled and produce even more stellar results across the spectrum of your life.

Assuming similar cross-functional experience, e.g., operations, finance, marketing, etc., and demonstrated success with strategic thinking, there are two key factors that make the difference between reaching a plateau beyond which I will not move or rising to the most senior levels. They are ownership and relationship building.

By ownership I mean “the buck stops with me.” I am the source. If there is a dispute among others, a smorgasbord of choices about which direction to go or strategy to employ, a failure or setback, or similar challenges, it is mine. There is no place to escalate, nor would I. My mindset is, “I own it all.”

This first factor goes hand in glove with the second factor, relationship building. Over time have I built and maintained relationships with a wide variety of people who have a wide variety of skill and knowledge in a wide variety of areas? When I am in ownership, the responsibility is always mine. I am aware of, and honest with myself about, what I don’t know. I do know I require expert help. Where do I get the information and help I want to resolve disputes, make choices about direction and strategy, overcome setbacks and similar challenges? I call upon the skill, knowledge and expertise of those with whom I have forged strong relationships over the years – those who I trust and who trust me. These are the people who “sponsor” my success and promote my vision.

Whether in the workplace, with my family, among my friends and acquaintances or in my community, I am always served by stretching my lines of ownership and building stronger relationships. There is endless opportuntiy to grow in these areas.

If you are not familiar with the work of Extraordinary Learning, these differentiating qualities are two of the primary qualities we help our clients develop and strengthen. And, yes, our clients produce stellar results across the board.