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Fortune Magazine recently interviewed corporate leaders regarding advice that has impacted their careers.  Regarding coaching, the following was expressed by Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google:

The best advice I ever got

Eric Schmidt: Hire a coach
 
The advice that sticks out I got from John Doerr, who in 2001 said, "My advice to you is to have a coach." I initially resented the advice, because after all, I was a CEO. I was pretty experienced. Why would I need a coach? Am I doing something wrong? My argument was, How could a coach advise me if I'm the best person in the world at this? But that's not what a coach does. The coach doesn't have to play the sport as well as you do. They have to watch you and get you to be your best. In the business context a coach is not a repetitious coach. A coach is somebody who looks at something with another set of eyes, describes it to you in [his] words, and discusses how to approach the problem.

Once I realized I could trust him and that he could help me with perspective, I decided this was a great idea. When there is [a] business conflict you tend to get rat-holed into it. [Bill's] general advice has been to rise one step higher, above the person on the other side of the table, and to take the long view. He'll say, "You're letting it bother you. Don't."

--Interview by Adam Lashinsky

Building Leaders & Cultures for Sustainable Success

In today’s challenging business environment of rapid change, diminishing returns and limited resources, you are likely scrutinizing your business more closely than ever to determine how best to optimize the use of every available asset.  Successful and forward-thinking firms are working to use their human capital more effectively by examining ways to create a diverse portfolio of individuals who think differently, inspire others and solve problems creatively.  These organizations recognize a critical truth – building a strong management team that leads through self awareness, self wisdom and authenticity can create the kind of organizational culture that can adapt to rapidly changing business needs and create sustainable success.

 

How We Help

 

The Center for Intelligent Leadership specializes in optimizing the value of your management talent.  Through our work with many organizations like yours, we have found that latent value exists in even the most talented individuals.  Our goal is to help them uncover and capitalize on that value so that they can contribute more effectively and fully to your organization.

Our unique blend of organizational and individual psychology connects individual leadership potential to your organization’s business performance.  We focus on creating sustainable change and uncovering authentic leadership in a way that is lasting, rather than fleeting.  We understand that each client is unique, and so we will work with you to craft programs that are highly personalized and speak to the individual needs of your company, as well as your executives and high potential employees.

Through our programs, participants will:

  • Develop self-awareness and authenticity in your approach to leading others
  • Learn to recognize your personality-based filters and those of others around you
  • Improve communications with others through building trust and understanding