This Is for All the Lonely Leaders: Why Partner with an Executive Coach

John Wooden Coaching Kareem-Abdul Jabbar


“A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.” —John Wooden


Think back on your life. As you were growing up, who nudged you toward greatness? Who gave you gentle support while simultaneously challenging you to grow, to stretch? Who offered a candid perspective you could always trust, a wisdom that inspired? Perhaps it was a family member, a teacher … or a coach. Whoever it was, your life is forever changed because of their influence.

What about today? Who fulfills that role for you now that you’re an adult, a leader? So many of us make the mistake of leaving mentors and coaches behind at college. We’re leaders now, not apprentices. Why would we need a coach?

Google CEO Eric Schmidt has an answer: “Every famous athlete, every famous performer has somebody who’s a coach. Somebody who can watch what they’re doing and say, ‘Is that what you really meant?’” He continues, “They can give you perspective. One thing people are never good at is seeing themselves as others see them. A coach really will help.” Watch this video to hear more:

 

Even (and perhaps especially) leaders can arrive at a point in their lives when they begin to stagnate, when they stop pursuing their deeper hopes and passions. They may be denying their core desires or may have lost sight of their original dreams.

John Wooden Playing BasketballWe all know it’s lonely at the top. Who can a leader confide in? Talk frankly with? Trust? My answer: a coach. An executive coach can meet you at the crossroads between mediocrity and greatness, emptiness and fulfillment. A coach can hold a mirror to illuminate your strengths and deepen your self-awareness. A coach can help you find meaning and happiness along your path toward personal fulfillment and—by holding you accountable—help you stick to that path.

The natural state of being for humans is a state of inertia—a place where nothing changes, no real progress or growth is attained. Not good enough for you? Are you ready to take the next step? Do you want to take your “pretty good life”—one that’s an 8 out of 10—to a 12 or even a 14? Are you willing to engage with someone who’s going to tell you the truth, no matter how difficult it is to hear? Who will help you uncover your naturally creative and resourceful self? If so, it’s time for you to discover the magic in coaching.

Check it out for free. In a 30-minute sample coaching session via phone, Chris guarantees you will begin to design action toward the change you desire. See Leadership Coaching to find out what coaching can do for you. Contact Chris at 541.601.0114 or chris@capiche.us for your free 30-minute sample.

Note: This is an updated version of my earlier post What a Leadership Coach Can Do for You.

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