The Myth of the Fulfilled Executive: Executives are People Too
Posted on May 28, 2011 by Teri-E Belf, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
8 myths about Executives and 7 questions to ask Executives to evaluate how they like to be acknowledged and how to ask for it.
“I wish I could receive some praise. It’s lonely up here.” I caught these words muttered under the breath of an EVP who just finished praising a Manager for a proposed Management-Supervisory Recognition Day. A Coach’s Kodak moment—a chance to coach an isolated executive. Our coaching began. 8 MYTHS 1. Executives climb the ladder of success to the pinnacle of the organizational pyramid and finally feel fulfilled. 2. Executives do not possess the same, desires, conflicts, anxieties, purposefulness and purposelessness as other clients. 3. Executives like being on the pedestal and viewed as superhuman. 4. The Executive’s life is perfect because of the financial benefits. 5. Executives do not need to feel acknowledged and nurtured. 6. Praising the boss is wrong. 7. Satisfaction programs are fine for employees, not executives. 8. The 360-degree assessment process provides all the positive feedback an Executive needs. So how can my client receive the acknowledgment he deserves? 4 OPPORTUNITIES Coaches have opportunities to delve into the topic of fulfillment and acknowledgment, even with executives.Approaches vary.
Approach 1. Discussing the relevance of life purpose in the workplace.
Approach 2. Question why loneliness at the top is a problem.
Approach 3. Ask the executive rank beliefs and explore what type of positive feedback would be useful.
Approach 4. Work with subordinates, Board of Directors or other stakeholders to teach when and how to deliver praise.
7 Questions to open this exploration: 1. How do you like to be acknowledged? 2. Who might compliment you? 3. What feedback leaves you feeling appreciated? 4. How can you coach your executive team to offer positive acknowledgment? 5. Do you believe that praise from subordinates is appropriate for executives? 6. What would meaningful positive feedback sound like to you? 7. How can you pro-actively recruit praise? As a result of coaching, this EVP increased his level of awareness about the importance of receiving acknowledgment and began a new experience of feeling valued and appreciated.