What makes executives different from managers or directors?

A few things.

• Consistency.

• Caring - about company, employees ... something...

• Most importantly though .. recognition that they are not the smartest in the room at the details. Ie.. The focus on the linkages between things and bringing the best of their middle managers, junior managers and staff.

Managers / Directors are the ones who have to make all the decisions, approve little things, decide trivial items and in general don't recognize that the experts they put in place know more about the details than they do.

Executives clear roadblocks, understand how departments link together and are thinking quarters and years ahead.