I read the one page summary with increasing agitation.
Highlights included:
- Nearly two-thirds of high level executives do not receive coaching or leadership advice from those outside their organizations.
- This despite 100% of executives involved in the research project “enjoy some type of coaching.”
Huh? Two-thirds don’t get coached but 100% of them enjoy it???
The findings reported in this particular article match the plethora of similar reports I have recently read in such varied sources as Inc. and Psychology Today…just within the month.
Often the reports comment on how important high level executives think coaching or advising is for their executive team – and yet, two-thirds aren’t getting that type of unbiased, larger perspective advising themselves.
So, why the agitation? I had to stop and really think about why this ticked me off…
- I was not agitated at my colleague for forwarding the article.
- I certainly was not agitated at the reported findings, all of which promoted my chosen field of endeavor quite positively.
- My agitation arose from a question – “If executives value coaching and leadership advice so much, why aren’t more seeking it out?” Why this “vacuum of I?”
What needs to occur for the headline to read: “100% Of Leaders Currently Using the Guidance of Executive Coaches?”
I chafe at the continuing bombardment of cultural communication focused upon reporting the status quo – the environment, economy, education – you name it. The focus is very, very rarely on the action – just the “state of things.” Sadly, it’s as if we have become fixated on watching, with fewer and fewer of us actually taking action.
Regrettably it seems to be the case with many leaders too.
Why are “the best of the best,” not seeking outside guidance? How can these leaders consider that a sound leadership approach?
Every individual must lead self (and others) to hers or his highest potential…a potential never achieved within the “vacuum of I.”
Do you know leaders who are living in the “vacuum of I?” If so, what can you do about it? Please leave a comment below with your thoughts.
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