Executive coaching is a growing field because of today’s competitive employment market. The Business Record spoke with Mary Hultman, vice president and managing director of the Iowa branch of Right Management Consultants, to find out about important leadership qualities and steps up-and-comers should take to reach the executive level.

Q: How does an worker get on his or her company’s fast track?

A: I think it’s really important that you understand the business you’re in. Things like the financials, top-line and bottom-line issues, the strategies and initiatives the company is following and expects to undertake. Each person must match their skills with the company’s needs. What that means is, a person who wants to advance has to know what [his or her] skills are. When we start working with executives, we make an assessment. It indicates what a person does well, what might be a challenge, what interests them, where they need support, etc. We either focus on matching their strengths to where the company is going, or we work on developing areas of difficulty. Some organizations are more focused on tactical, day-to-day skills, while others value strategics.

Q: What is an essential step executives must take to be effective?

A: To make sure they’re constantly developing themselves. [The mindset should be] I have to constantly develop as a professional. It’s different from 20 years ago, when company developed us. I have to be constantly trying to figure out how I can add to the company.

Q: What do you think are the most essential skills for a leader?

A: Political skills, or an understanding of how people and organizations function, and maneuvering through those political situations; strategic skills, or an ability to see ahead and anticipate what is going to happen, a future focus; and persuasive skills, the ability to motivate others to what kind of action you’d like them to do. That’s an important skill for leader.

Q: What leadership skill is most underrated?

A: Nobody talks about political skills. Every organization has politics. You don’t have to play the political game, but you must have an understanding of the implications of office politics.

Q: What would you say are the qualities most essential in a good leader?

A: Working with people, understanding the differences in people, how to delegate, motivate, and lead people. If someone does job really well, they get promoted, but they might not immediately have the leadership skills they need to do the job. As you move up the executive ladder, you use fewer technical skills and more people skills.