How do you become a division director?

A crucial aspect often overlooked is the importance of emotional intelligence in understanding the role of a division director. Beyond the operational and strategic competencies, the ability to manage one's own emotions and understand those of others can significantly impact leadership effectiveness, team morale, and conflict resolution.

In addition to traditional leadership roles, what i have found helpful is gaining experience in crisis management and change leadership can be invaluable. Experiencing high-pressure situations and leading through change teaches resilience, adaptability, and the ability to maintain a strategic vision amidst uncertainty.

In my experience, it's best to define a list of "requirements" that a division leader in your company, must possess. Is this a multicultural company? Is it geographically spread out? Today, the ability to motivate a team to move in the same direction is more important than certifications or technical skills. There are universal values for being a division leader, such as transparency, respect, boundless motivation, and a positive approach. So, add these values to your list of requirements, conduct a sincere gap analysis between you and these requirements, and build a simple but concrete action plan to close the gap. I don't know if this formula will make you a division leader, but I'm sure it will make you a better person.

In my experience, one of the key skills for a division director is to establish right coordination between different departments of the division. The success of a division generally dependent on how the division director is able to effectively manage multiple teams, streamline operations, and ensure harmony and integration among the various departments. Another important skill for division director is conflict management. For conflict management it is crucial to maintain open communication and transparency. You may use a priority matrix to categorize tasks on the basis on their urgency and importance and prioritize the tasks which are both important and urgent.

A key skill not explicitly mentioned is the ability to leverage technology for business efficiency and innovation. Understanding digital transformation and how to apply new technologies within your division can set you apart as a forward-thinking leader.

You should let people know that your goal is to become a division director and also look for as much mentoring and coaching as possible: from your boss, peers, other influent stakeholders. You need to listen a lot and be curious about what it is that people think you need to have in order to succeed in the role. Once you have identified these key things, assess where you are with them and look for ways to improve them (again it can be through mentoring for instance).

It's beneficial to engage in reverse mentoring, where younger or less experienced colleagues mentor you in areas like technology, social media, and current trends. This can broaden your perspective and keep you connected with emerging developments.

Demonstrating thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, or participation in industry panels can significantly elevate your visibility and showcase your potential. It positions you as an expert in your field and demonstrates your ability to influence beyond your immediate organization.

In today's digital world, how you present yourself online can open doors to opportunities. Regularly updating your LinkedIn profile, engaging with industry content, and sharing your own insights can attract the right opportunities towards you.