Does your job prepare you to lead?

Q How do I know if a role gives me the exposure needed to progress further?

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A Anyone aspiring to leadership positions needs to accumulate a good and balanced blend of technical and people skills as they rise up the ranks, says Mr David Blasco, country director at Randstad Singapore.

Aspiring leaders will also need to decide whether their current position and employer provide a discernible pathway for them to pick up these skills.

Companies with flatter hierarchies and with a culture of letting employees take ownership of projects or product lines tend to provide earlier leadership opportunities and faster progressions, Mr Blasco says.

This includes the financial technology, technology, insurance and consulting sectors, which are known for their fast-paced environments.

"Large companies that offer leadership development programmes and rotational assignments also allow employees to gain broad exposure to people management and budgeting responsibilities at an early stage."

Ms Jillian Yip, director of corporate function hiring at executive search firm Ethos BeathChapman, says those hoping to rise up the ranks can also indicate their motivation and readiness to pursue leadership responsibilities.

This can be done by volunteering to help lead projects that involve managing major changes, such as migrating to new systems of operations or technology, as well as merger and acquisition initiatives, especially if these projects lie well within one's technical capabilities.