Do you want to become a CEO one day? Start doing "combat" roles!

I have been asked recently how to best choose roles and paths within an organization in order to become a CEO. It is clear that every case is different, but there are some general guidelines, here is the first.

For every business organization there are two main goals. The first is to do something specific - to manufacture and sell cars, to fly people from one country to another, to organize products conveniently - supermarkets (online or physical), to develop an AI software. The second is to sell the service or product and to bring in money. Those who usually reach the executive positions will be those who have engaged in a variety of roles related directly to the two main goals of the organization.

That is - those who know how to sell and have been in such positions will always be in demand, they are can easily reach top management. The second group is those who know how to build the product or provide the central service of the company. Let's look at a few examples.

1. Lawyer - Will be a supporting role in most cases, except in the formation/partnership of legal counsels. This role will be a combat role, as this is the primary thing the formation (corporate, partnership) does.

2. Software engineers engaged in the development of a software product in a software company, will be on the main track (combat roles), while software personnel responsible for the company's IT, will be support personnel.

3. Financial personnel will be on the main track if they work in a financial organization, and will be supporters in most other organization.

A closer examination of the executive team and functions reporting to the CEO will help. Based on the main activities of the company, try to identify who is in combat roles and who is in supporting roles.

As an example, let's take MyHeritage, a provider of an online genealogy platform with web, mobile, and software products and services. Founded in 2003 it was started with genealogical information uploaded by the users, and evolved with time to enrich the information with DNA matching. Technology, data collection and analysis are the main activities. If we look at the leadership team, we easily see the supporting roles - CFO, HR, Operations and Marketing. The combat roles are around the product and technology. Since the information coming from customer is key, it may be that the Customer Relations is also on the main oath.

Look back on what you have done so far, plan ahead, and make sure to stay/move on the combat/main course.