In our work, we find that CEOs find tremendous value in having a trusted relationship with a coach outside of their organization. Outside coaches can be especially helpful in the following areas, which are particularly intense for the executive at the top:
Teamwork – The CEO must fashion a collaborative environment, yet senior executives sometimes have little interest in collaboration, believing that they have risen through the ranks because of their own fierce independence.
Organizational Effectiveness – All too often, the truth of what is happening within the organization is so highly filtered by the time it reaches the top that the CEO gets a distorted view of what is really going on.
Succession – When several senior executives vie for a top job as the consummation of their ambitions, the CEO must manage those ambitions.
Transition – When CEOs eventually need to move on, they often have mixed emotions about the change and may need to radically reframe their self-perception and priorities.
Whether you are CEO of a fast growing start-up or dot.com, or head of a fast growing unit of a larger enterprise, our work with CEOs indicates that these are the questions you need to ask:
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Is my expenditure of time making best use of my capabilities and the priority needs of the business? Or do I need to change the way I spend my time? |
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Am I trying to grow too fast – sacrificing quality, people, products, customers, investors, supporters? Do I need to create a more flexible plan? |
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Am I still in touch with the issues that employees and customers are facing? What can I do to stay in touch? |
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Am I attempting to hold on to too much control? How can I make the best use of the leadership capabilities of others? |
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Are my vision, values and strategy being communicated throughout the company? How can I ensure that this happens? |
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Where might I need more structure, standards and procedures to manage and maximize the benefits of growth? |
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Am I allowing original loyalties to stand in the way of what is best for the business? Do I have the best talent available to grow the business and be successful long-term? |
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How is the original purpose of the company shifting? Should it shift? |
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Do I still feel passion for the work I am doing, or is it time to turn elsewhere? What really ignites my interest, and how can I find it in my own company or elsewhere? |
