Overstayed your welcome, will you be next?

It is well known that in senior management positions and c-suite positions, the longer you are in the role and the older you get, the more your chances of being replaced.

A recent new survey by Alix Partners among over 3,000 CEO’s and senior executives across the world revealed that 59% of CEO’s are worried about losing their jobs (other reports quote even higher numbers), stating various reasons from feeling pressured to taking a stand on environmental issues to impact from the macro environment, such as inflation and interest rates, as well as ingoing geopolitical tensions across the world … all in addition to worrying about under performing due to that strategy that promised so much just not working.

The truth is the longer you hold these prestigious roles, the higher the likelihood of being replaced. It's a sobering reality that demands attention and strategic action from seasoned executives looking to prolong their tenure and leave a lasting impact.

So, what can senior executives do to enhance their chances of staying longer before facing the inevitable chop? I connected with some trusted business contacts and asked them what you can do proactively to protect your position and was handed some good advice …

Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay ahead of the curve by investing in ongoing professional development and acquiring new skills relevant to your industry. Attend conferences, workshops, and executive education programs to broaden your knowledge base and adapt to changing trends.

Foster Strong Relationships: Cultivate meaningful connections with key stakeholders, including board members, colleagues, clients, and industry peers. Building trust and rapport can not only enhance your influence within the organisation but also provide valuable support during challenging times.

Drive Meaningful Results: Focus on delivering tangible outcomes that align with the organisation's strategic objectives. Demonstrate your value through measurable achievements and impactful contributions to the company's bottom line, and when appropriate subtly mention them to key decision makers and influencers in the business.

Adaptability is Key: Remain agile and adaptable in the face of uncertainty and change. Embrace innovation, pivot when necessary, and lead with resilience amidst evolving market dynamics and competitive pressures.

Maintain a Forward-Thinking Vision: Develop a clear vision for the future of your organisation and articulate compelling strategies to realise that vision. Showcasing your strategic foresight and thought leadership can instill confidence in your leadership capabilities and secure your position in the long run.

The warning signs to watch out for:

Erosion of Trust: If you notice a decline in trust or confidence from key stakeholders, it could indicate underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly.

Lack of Alignment: If your leadership style or priorities are out of sync with the organisation's goals or values, it may signal potential friction that could lead to your replacement.

Stagnation in Performance: A plateau or decline in performance metrics or results could raise red flags and prompt leadership changes.

Increased Scrutiny: Heightened scrutiny from within the business or criticism from the media, shareholders, or industry analysts may create vulnerability and trigger the process that could end in you packing that little brown box with your family photographs, awards you won many years ago, and your favourite mouse mat and mug (mine says “Best Ever Dad”).

In conclusion, while the inevitability of potential termination looms over senior management positions, proactive measures can be taken to prolong your tenure. By embracing lifelong learning, fostering strong relationships, driving meaningful results, staying adaptable, maintaining a forward-thinking vision, and being vigilant of warning signs, senior executives can navigate the challenges of the C-suite with confidence and resilience.

Also, of course, my top tip is to be prepared for when the day happens, and it will, and make sure that you have a best-in-class CV/Resume all ready to go … and that’s where I come in.