If you were asked to give one piece of advice to up-and-coming people in your business, what would it be?

Five CEOs of small to large companies were asked just that question by Inc.com (www.inc.com/print/74?partner=newsletter_Success).

What resulted could be seen as a five-point plan that can be used like a road map for navigating the maze you encounter as you climb the ladder of command at your company.

1. Learn to delegate more. Coming up through the ranks, it’s very hard to let go of duties and responsibilities you handled along the way. But you have bigger fish to fry right now, and that deserves your time. Delegating duties to others shows trust and respect in their abilities to get the job done. After all, how did you get your opportunities?
2. Judge people better. There’s a natural tendency among many people, including execs, to look at the “half-full” picture when it comes to potential employees. Take that into account and pull back your own blinders, so you can see strengths and faults. Faults aren’t a job killer, but you need to know about them in advance.
3. Open lines of communication. Sure, people listen to you. They’re paid to listen to you. But who are you listening to? Maintaining strong, two-way communications is the key to team building, cultivating a positive company culture, and overall good relations, both inside and outside of your company’s walls.
4. Learn to laugh more. A sense of humor can be vital to show people you’re human and sociable, and to help put others around you at ease. Before you run out and buy that clown costume, consider a more subtle approach. Learn a joke or two (clean, of course). Self-deprecating humor always goes over well with subordinates, as well.
5. Remember to be patient. Not everyone runs at the same speed you do, nor should you expect them to. Take a step back and give ‘em a little breathing room. But do insist on punctuality in all forms — turning in reports, showing up for meetings, etc.