Executive Meaning
Executive Definition & Usage
Relating to the execution of tasks or the management of a company or organization, particularly those in positions of leadership and decision-making.
Examples
- "He was promoted to an executive role after only three years in the company."
- "The executive team met to discuss the new product launch."
- "An executive decision was made to restructure the company."
- "She took an executive position at the tech startup, overseeing operations."
- "The executive committee was responsible for approving the annual budget."
A senior official or manager in an organization, responsible for decision-making, leadership, and overseeing operations.
Examples
- "The executives at the firm gathered for their quarterly review."
- "He's one of the top executives in the multinational corporation."
- "The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in the company."
- "An executive is often tasked with setting long-term strategies for a business."
- "She worked her way up from a junior role to become an executive."
A person who holds a high position in the government or in an organization responsible for carrying out the laws or policies.
Examples
- "The executive branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws."
- "He served as the executive director of the nonprofit for five years."
- "The executive order signed by the president immediately impacted the national economy."
- "A strong executive is often crucial for decisive leadership in times of crisis."
- "The executive committee in the government works closely with other branches to implement policies."
Cultural Context
The word 'executive' derives from the Latin word 'executivus', meaning 'to carry out' or 'to perform'. It has been used historically to refer to individuals tasked with carrying out laws or orders, and today it commonly refers to high-level managerial roles in both business and government settings.
The Executive Decision
Story
The Executive Decision
In a sleek, modern conference room, the executive team gathered around a polished oak table. The air was thick with the weight of a looming decision that could reshape the company's future. A large projection screen showed charts and graphs, and the CEO, an experienced executive who had weathered many corporate storms, stood at the head of the table. Her eyes scanned the room, pausing on each of her team members as if weighing their thoughts. 'We have two options before us,' she said, her voice calm but commanding. 'One will stabilize the company for the long term, but at the cost of short-term growth. The other offers rapid expansion but is risky. What do you think, Mark?' She addressed the CFO, a fellow executive known for his cautious approach. Mark leaned forward, his hands steepled in front of him. 'The risk is considerable,' he began, 'but I believe it's the only path forward if we want to remain competitive.' 'And you, Sarah?' The CEO turned to the COO, whose operational expertise had been crucial in navigating the company's past challenges. 'Do you agree?' Sarah nodded. 'I agree with Mark. We need to make bold moves, and we need to do it now. The executive team needs to show leadership.' The CEO paused, considering their words. She knew that, as the top executive in the company, the final decision would rest on her shoulders. Yet, she also knew that her strength lay in trusting her team. After a long silence, she spoke. 'Alright, let's move forward with the expansion strategy. We take the risks, but we manage them carefully.' The executive team nodded in agreement, knowing that their collective decision had charted the company's course. As they left the room, the weight of the decision seemed lighter. The role of an executive was never easy, but today, they had made the right call—together.