Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives by Ron A. Carucci, Eric C. Hansen

Ron A. Carucci’s book, Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives, offers a comprehensive exploration of what it takes to become a successful executive. Drawing on his extensive experience as a coach and advisor to high-level leaders, Carucci argues that aspiring executives must recognize the psychological and organizational evolution it takes to reach the top of an organization.

Carucci first unpacks the idea of an “exceptional executive”, which he defines as “a leader whose behaviors, targets, aspirations, and practices are exceptionally different from the average manager.” To become an exceptional executive, Carucci argues, requires an ambitious drive and a willingness to take risks. The book provides examples of executives who achieved success through cultivating innovative ideas and implementing them in real-world settings. Such examples demonstrate how executives must go beyond merely meeting mundane goals set out by their organizations.

From here, Carucci goes on to provide a comprehensive overview of various factors essential to a successful executive journey. First, he argues that aspiring executives must have an effective self-awareness in order to gain greater insight into their own thought processes. Having this insight helps them to identify new opportunities and leads to a more consistent and informed decision-making.

In addition, Carucci emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships. By developing relationships with diverse individuals, executives are able to expand their knowledgebase and gain access to new mentors and role models. In addition, Carucci stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people as well as those who can offer constructive criticism and encourage learning.

The book also dives into the need for executives to develop strategic planning skills. Carucci explains how effective planning involves divining the desired end result and then planning backward. This helps executives to develop the tactical steps necessary to achieve their goals and remove potential threats that might stand in their way.

Finally, Carucci illustrates how emotional intelligence is a critical component to executive success. He discusses several emotional intelligence issues such as establishing trust, understanding power dynamics, seeing the big picture, and learning to effectively manage relationships.

In conclusion, Ron A. Carucci’s book, Rising to Power: The Journey of Exceptional Executives, serves as a thorough examination of the elements required to become a successful executive. Through the use of compelling examples and explanations of critical skills, Carucci ensures that aspiring executives are well aware of the psychological and organizational evolution it takes to reach the highest levels of organizational power.