Essential executive skills for effective governance as a UPSC aspirant include decision-making, strategic planning, and emotional intelligence. Decision-making involves evaluating options critically and implementing solutions efficiently. Strategic planning ensures that long-term objectives align with immediate actions. Emotional intelligence helps in understanding and managing both personal emotions and those of the team, promoting better collaboration and public engagement. Mastering these skills prepares aspirants for the multifaceted challenges they will face in civil service positions.