Q I am currently in an information technology (IT) role looking after a regional centre covering 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. I have close to 15 years of IT, accounting and management consulting experience.

I would like to do more. I aim to move into a general manager and eventually a chief executive officer (CEO) position. How would you advise me to go about achieving this goal?

A Assuming you do not have any prior experience in profit and loss (P&L) roles, I would suggest that you consider the possibility of moving into such a role first.

Read up and speak to more people on business and leadership issues. Familiarise yourself with the industry you are in. For instance, who are the key competitors and players, the prospects, and current and future challenges. An MBA programme could also be useful and so would a Finance 101 programme.

Enhance your understanding of managing a business by learning more about the challenges of typical functions within most businesses such as human resources, finance, business development, marketing, sales and logistics.

Second, network with the 'right' people, both within and outside your current office. These could include members of your leadership team, including the CEO, managing director and general manager, and other functional heads.

Third, consider undertaking a 360-degree feedback project. This involves getting confidential feedback from your bosses, peers and subordinates on your leadership behaviour. The key objective should be to identify your strengths - so you can further develop the relevant ones - closing potential gaps and learning new skills.

Lastly, consider hiring an executive/career coach who may be able to play a useful role in your pursuit of your career aspirations.

Paul Heng
NeXT Career Consulting Group, Asia

Advice provided in this column is not meant as a substitute for comprehensive professional advice.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on November 09, 2008.