As an executive coach, I have discovered three
vulnerabilities that are at the root of many executive failures. The good news
is that executives can learn to identify these foibles and turn them into
opportunities for high achievement.
- The Extinction of the Cigar Store Totem
As a young child, I
remember being frightened by a very serious looking wooden carving of a Native
American Chief at a country store. Today, these once abundant carvings are
difficult to locate. It is my hope that, like the Cigar Store Totem, we will
find fewer executives who have who take pride in projecting an intimidating
demeanor and believe that emotions have no place in the world of business.
Imagine a staff meeting where the CEO, with a cold stare, rebuffs the anger of
a direct report. With one glance, the CEO has conditioned this individual and
his colleagues that anger is not welcome in their meetings. He has trained
these individuals to hold back valuable emotions that could help build unity,
trust and open sharing of information.
When employees exhibit emotions
such as anger, frustration, sadness and exhilaration, executives should
practice reserving any comment or expression that might discourage such
feelings. Naturally, I'm not referring to emotion that is over the top and
disruptive to business. By relaxing the close monitoring of emotions,
executives will soon discover that the people around them have a substantial
increase in energy and commitment.
- The Demise of the Designated Hero
Several
years ago, following one of my management workshops, I was approached by a
young engineer who commented on the leadership style of her company by stating,
"Superman and Superwoman are dead." She understood that those executives who
could not trust and embrace her ideas and those of her colleagues were doomed
to failure. The outdated super-hero dressed in the garb of Rambo, Wonder Woman
or the Terminator is fast becoming a relic.
The successful executives I have
worked with understand the value of drawing on the talent that surrounds them.
They fully appreciate the folly of trying to master the multitude of
disciplines they manage. In my experience, those who go it alone eventually
drive out the most talented members of their staff leaving only average
performers who will never tell the emperor that "he has no clothes." Take some
risks and invite talented people to spread their wings and flex their muscles.
Release the heavy burden of always having to be strong, right, invulnerable and
perfect. The result will be an organization that is creative and vital. In
addition, you will discover that it doesn't have to be so lonely at the
top.
- The Dangers of an Occupational Hobby
You
may have observed that when "the going gets hot" some executives retreat to
their "occupational hobby." Consider the sales VP who hits the road to call on
clients rather than address strategic issues back in the office. Possibly you
know of a manufacturing executive who finds dealing with a line stoppage more
enticing than addressing the demands of a long-range plan. These examples
describe a common human tendency to retreat to familiar tasks that give us
temporary relief when faced with complex challenges. So what's the solution to
this executive vulnerability? Ongoing self-management is the only antidote.
Executives and other professionals must develop sharp awareness for the signs
of the creeping anxiety associated with this phenomenon. Take a few minutes to
identify the root cause of your increasing restlessness. Create an outline of
the symptoms describing the issue. Brainstorm with key staff members to develop
alternative solutions. Going public with this problem will force you to avoid
escaping to your own occupational hobby.
Recommended Reading:
You may
find the following book helpful for additional for additional information on
Executive Vulnerabilities.The
Five Temptations of a CEO by Patrick Lenconi,
Published by Jossey-Bass,
1998 Lenconi uses the story of Andrew, a fictional CEO, to describe five
temptations that can easily undermine the efforts of executives.
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