There have been multiple success stories of individuals rising through the ranks based on their strong technical or functional capabilities, often distinguishing themselves as star performers within their respective fields. However, being a top performer does not always translate into being an effective leader at the executive level. This critical transition requires more than technical excellence — it demands the cultivation of strategic leadership skills that are often not innate. Therefore, the need for advanced management training is paramount, particularly for individuals aspiring to reach top leadership positions.
One of the most common misconceptions amongst the general public is that the star performers of an organization will naturally evolve into great ‘leaders’. A skilled engineer or marketer will excel in their domain and may even mentor a small team of junior executives, but may find it challenging to take on broader organizational responsibilities. The skills required to lead an entire organization are remarkably different from those that drive individual or departmental success. However, star performers can evolve themselves to be very capable leaders by developing the right skills with proper training or practice.
Management, particularly at the senior level, is not just about operational efficiency, top-line metrics or tactical decision-making. It requires a broader perspective, a strategic mindset, and the ability to inspire and lead diverse teams toward common goals. Most of the advanced management training is often provided through targeted learning and exposure in addition to the individual’s self-reflection of their professional experiences.
The Shift to Top Leadership: A Unique Skill Set
Moving from an experienced senior manager/team director to the C-Suite is quite a significant career shift, one that often involves responsibilities far beyond the realm of an individual’s technical expertise. A successful leadership transition requires mastering key competencies such as:
- Strategic Communication: Leaders must communicate a clear vision to their teams and stakeholders, aligning organizational goals with daily operations. The ability to articulate a strategy succinctly while ensuring buy-in from diverse audiences is critical.
- Emotional Intelligence (EI): Managing complex interpersonal dynamics within an organization calls for high emotional intelligence. Senior leaders are expected to navigate difficult conversations, manage conflicts, and foster a positive work environment that empowers teams.
- Organizational Strategy: Leaders must be adept at identifying long-term opportunities and challenges. Their ability to formulate and execute organizational strategies is essential for driving sustained growth
These competencies are not always innate skills and therefore often require formal development to ensure that the transition into top leadership is successful. As such, there is an increasing demand for advanced management education to cultivate these skills.
IIMB’s Advanced Management Programme (AMP)
For senior executives who have already accumulated 15+ years of experience and are looking to elevate their leadership abilities, IIM Bangalore’s Advanced Management Programme (AMP) offers a comprehensive solution. Designed specifically for working professionals at senior to leadership levels, AMP focuses on developing strategic leadership capabilities through an immersive and holistic curriculum.
International Immersion at St. Gallen University
Global business acumen is now an essential component of leadership in today’s interconnected world. AMP provides participants with a Global Business Awareness module that includes an international immersion component at the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, one of Europe’s leading business schools which holds the #1 spot in FT Masters in Management rankings of 2024. This segment focuses on international business strategies, cross-cultural management, and global supply chain management, all critical areas for executives looking to succeed in a global marketplace.
Driving Organizational Growth and Performance
At its core, advanced management is about empowering leaders to set and drive organizational agendas for growth and performance. AMP ensures that participants leave with the ability to craft and implement strategies that not only drive organizational success but also sustain it over time.
AMP equips executives with this strategic foresight by fostering Strategic Stewardship – the ability to manage workplace diversity, navigate corporate governance challenges, and implement sustainable business practices. The program encourages participants to reflect on their learnings and experiences to develop their own unique leadership styles, ready to tackle the challenges of modern-day business.
360DF and IDP
One of the unique offerings of the AMP is its Leadership Development Acceleration through 360-degree Feedback (360 DF), which is a progressive system of providing feedback to senior leaders. 360DF is a tool developed by a global organization that generates reports that will indicate the impact of a participant’s leadership through a global competency framework. The results of the reports (which shall be confidential and shared only with the particular participant) will be used for developing the customized Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDP serves as a roadmap for growth, ensuring that each executive can focus on areas of improvement, whether in personal leadership or functional expertise.
By integrating the 360-Degree Feedback and an IDP into its curriculum, the AMP Executive programme ensures that participants leave with a clear action plan for their continued professional development.
AMP participants become IIMB EEP alumni on successful completion of the programme and thereby gain access to the alumni network of senior management professionals across various industry sectors.
For more details of IIMB’s Advanced Management Programme, visit: