Global leaders like Apple CEO Tim Cook and Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach are tenacious forward-thinkers who have clearly identified their roles in business. They also understand the MBA leadership link, with both using MBAs as a stepping stone to success.
They aren’t alone in their skill set. A 2024 study shows that 22.3 per cent of top global CEOs have an MBA.
If you want to develop the leadership skills to succeed in business and provide direction at a senior level, completing an MBA in leadership can help you achieve your goals.
Postgraduate leadership programs set you up for success
Ashok Alexander is the director of the Sydney-based agency Operacy Staffing, which sources remote staff for businesses. He says completing his MBA helped to further his career.
Originally working in the field of engineering, Alexander wanted to expand into management. He completed an MBA and strengthened his skill set in strategic planning.
“For those professionals who already have industry experience, an MBA will allow them to apply the newly learned skills to their job immediately. In my experience, undertaking an MBA in leadership and management provides a good overview across various elements of business.”
He adds: “Take, for example, someone with an engineering background like myself, or someone from the technology industry who is moving more into management. They have a technical focus but when you move into general business or management, you need to have all areas equally valued, whether it’s HR or accounts. That is the strength of the MBA, it gives you that understanding.”
Pursuing an MBA offers students several advantages, including a comprehensive understanding of different business functions and roles. It also provides a platform to enhance their management and leadership skills.
From MBA to the C-suite: Unlocking top leadership roles
There are now 55,000 Australians working in chief executive and managing director roles. However, as our professional landscape continues to diversify – largely due to technological advancements and hybrid work environments – the nation requires leaders who are equipped to deal with the changes.
In this climate, it’s more important than ever to invest in upskilling. Enrolling in an MBA program can improve career prospects with leadership careers, including enviable C-suite positions.
Alexander says these postgraduate leadership programs can identify a person’s leadership style.
“It doesn’t matter if someone comes from a background in marketing, HR, engineering or any other sector, an MBA broadens the horizon. Say, for example, that someone is a good technical person but micromanages staff. Studying an MBA allows you to focus on those areas where you lack experience. The MBA mindset allows a person to have an overall picture of all aspects of business and understand how everything fits together and how to interact successfully within that system and establish leadership style.”
Which raises the questions: What type of leader are you? What type of leader can you become?
There is a range of leadership styles to explore, including:
- Sustainable: These leaders are adaptable and aware of the complexities of our world. This leadership approach looks for solutions that address social, economic and environmental challenges. It’s about taking on a collaborative approach to foster change.
- Delegative: These leaders work well with an experienced team as they rely on employees to perform independently at a high level.
- Transformational: Creating an engaged workplace, these leaders motivate and inspire through their charismatic and energetic personalities.
- Transactional: This leadership style relies on rewards and consequences to incentivise and motivate employees.
Completing an MBA can help you realise your unique leadership style and potential.
Mastering the art of management
Establishing your position in the professional world takes work. There will always be leadership challenges.
Undertaking an MBA with leadership units will help you rise to these challenges by providing a strong background in:
- strategy and processes
- communications and marketing
- finance and accounting
- human resources
- leadership insight and people management
- governance and operations
As an industry and recruitment expert, Alexander says completing an MBA in leadership and management prepares you for future business challenges.
“An MBA can be a stepping stone in your career. A person can use it to see the bigger picture and build on it to develop a greater, bigger understanding.”
Developing leadership skills: why finding the right MBA matters
Choosing an MBA is no simple feat. It is crucial to examine the different programs available and determine which aligns with your goals. MBA programs in Australia provide varying electives and core units to suit individual needs. Many courses also offer built-in specialisations to help you develop your expertise further in a specific field.
Research what an MBA course entails to find out what units you will study. You can also consider MBAs that offer real-world learning experiences, such as internships and industry projects. Doing your homework can help you determine how well you can develop your leadership skills with an MBA. The right MBA program will provide you with the knowledge and practical experience you need to become an effective leader.
Are you ready to take the next step?
Take your career to the next level and invest in your future by enrolling in an MBA today. You can find plenty of MBA courses offered by leading universities in Australia that can help you develop the right skills to become a great leader. Choose the right program that suits your professional circumstances and long-term objectives.