Leadership is more important than ever in today’s organisations. Yet, the evidence pointing to its absence is disturbing.
A whopping 77% of organisations acknowledge having leadership gaps. No doubt a big number, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise since nearly 10,000 baby boomers retire every day.
Employee engagement is bound to suffer without leaders to inspire and motivate the workforce. Gallup, in its State of the Global Workplace Report of 2023, revealed that only 23% of employees worldwide are engaged. That’s a strikingly low figure, considering how much engagement impacts productivity, innovation, and overall workplace morale.
Employers across the U.S. seek individuals skilled in organisational leadership to improve employee engagement. Want to help address this gap and make a real impact?
Here are a few high-impact careers in organisational leadership you can explore:
#1 Chief Executive Officer
According to Investopedia, a chief executive officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in a company.
It’s a role that requires strong leadership, visionary thinking, and the ability to make tough calls, sometimes under pressure. CEOs have to balance a lot—financial performance, company culture, market trends—and always keep an eye on the long-term future.
As a CEO, you have the power to shape the direction of an entire company. You will be in charge of making major corporate decisions. You will also drive the workforce and resources of a company toward strategic goals.
The role of a CEO is high-stakes and high-pressure, but it’s also highly satisfying. Their annual salary, on average, is $148,848. It can, however, reach as high as $288,488/year.
A post-secondary degree in engineering and business is all you need to pursue a career as a CEO. However, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can help you advance your career by moving beyond entry-level positions.
#2 Human Resources Manager
Human resource (HR) managers ensure employees are supported, valued, and motivated. It’s no wonder they are an integral part of any organisation.
As an HR manager, you will oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training processes to ensure the company attracts and retains top talent. You will also mediate conflicts, manage employee benefits, and implement policies that align with organisational goals.
As per Indeed, HR managers also develop training materials and performance management programs to make sure the staff understand their duties.
Last year, the median pay of HR managers was $136,350/year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, employment for HR managers is expected to grow 6% by 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations.
To kickstart your career as an HR manager, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in human resources.
However, a Doctor of Education or Ed.D. in Leadership can provide advanced expertise in organisational development, employee engagement, and strategic planning if you’re aiming for senior leadership roles.
Spalding University explains that an Ed.D. in Leadership equips professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in effective leadership, including innovation, strategic thinking, and organisational change. That is, it will equip you with the skills to lead transformational change, which makes it an excellent choice for those aspiring to executive-level positions in human resources.
#3 Management Consultant
Don’t want to be tied to one company? Instead, want to swoop in, solve problems, and move on? The role of a management consultant would be ideal for you.
As a consultant, you can help organisations tackle complex challenges, like restructuring, expanding into new markets, or improving efficiency. You will dive deep into the organisation, analysing data, processes, and strategies to uncover the root of the problem.
It’s a dynamic, ever-changing role. One month, you might be streamlining operations for a small startup, while you could be advising a global corporation on entering a new market in the next.
Management consultants work across various industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to tech and finance. Thus, you will gain exposure to diverse business environments.
Companies continuously seek expertise to stay competitive, so the demand for management consultants remains strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% increase in management consultants/analysts jobs—well above the outlook for most jobs.
A bachelor’s degree in business, economics, or a related field is required to enter this field. Yearly, you can earn $84,737, on average. Over time, however, you can rake in as high as $147,509/year.
If you love working with people, solving problems, and thinking ahead, these roles could be your perfect fit. Before you choose any of these roles, focus on what aligns with your passions, strengths, and goals. Give yourself a moment to reflect, consider what interests you, and go for it. It’s time to take the next step and start your leadership journey.
