In today’s business world, the distinction between being a “C-Level executive” and “leading” is becoming increasingly clear. An executive typically holds a senior management position through appointment or recruitment and coordinates the organization within the framework of predetermined strategies. However, if this coordination role is not supported by leadership qualities, it can result in internal discord, loss of motivation, and consequently, a decline in performance. Over time, employees’ trust and belief in upper management may erode. Leadership, on the other hand, represents much more: vision, the ability to drive transformation, determination, perseverance, and the capacity to inspire.

A New Era: Executive or Transformational Leader?

In recent years, profound changes in the business landscape have further sharpened this distinction. New business models centered around artificial intelligence and digitalization, the transformation brought by hybrid work models post-pandemic, the acceleration of decision-making processes, and evolving risk factors have demonstrated that it’s no longer sufficient for senior executives to be mere administrators. In this process, qualities such as emotional intelligence (EQ) and empathy have become just as important as analytical intelligence. Today’s companies need leaders who not only manage organizations but also inspire teams and unite them around a shared vision.

Are Our Companies Ready for This New Era?

Many organizations still cling to traditional executive profiles, overlooking the potential for leadership. However, in an era where artificial intelligence and digital transformation are fundamentally reshaping the business world, the need for C-Level executives equipped with strong leadership skills is increasing rapidly. This requires companies to embrace a leadership culture and take steps to transform their managers into leaders.

In the coming period, the success of companies will be directly proportional to their investment in executives with leadership qualities. Concepts such as employee engagement, innovation, and corporate transformation will be shaped by the influence of these leaders. Therefore, companies need to ask themselves the following questions:

  • Are the individuals in our management positions truly leaders, or are they just managers fulfilling job descriptions?
  • What tools, training programs, or approaches are we implementing to transform our managers into leaders?

Conclusion: Transformation is Essential, Training is Key

In today’s business world, merely being an executive is no longer sufficient. Those at the helm of companies must be visionary, innovative leaders capable of driving transformation. These leaders will not only advance their organizations but also inspire their teams to grow. In an era of intense competition, companies that invest in leadership will emerge as the winners. Now is the time to convince our executives to embark on this transformation journey and, through collaboration, reshape both our management teams and our companies.