Society of Consulting Psychology

As an executive coach, I often hear well-intended executives like Bob say things like, “I need to be a better listener. I need to be more patient with people.” When asked why, Bob says he knows it is the right thing to do, or he’s received feedback about improving his listening. When pressed on how to do this, Bob says, “I just need to be more mindful. I need to tell myself to listen more.” Often several months later, nothing has changed; Bob is still described as a hothead or a know-it-all who doesn’t take time for people.

Eric, 35, was elated to be selected for executive coaching. A high potential, this told him that he was being groomed for ascendance. He used the coaching well. He learned to delegate deeply and communicate motivating messages to his team. He still had the more fundamental issue of perfectionism, however, that he did not address, even though it could hold him back in the long run.

The polls, pols, and pundits all got it wrong—and the world was stunned when Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. People are still reeling; from the talking heads on TV to the regulars at the coffee shop to onlookers around the globe, the question is, “How did this happen?”

Let’s talk about stereotypes we hold about different occupational groups and professions. Would you rather have lunch with a gardener, an executive, a genetics counselor or an investment banker? The images start to roll as we think about this possibility. Those in financial services have had their reputations tarnished since the financial crisis, as dramatized by the 2015 Academy Award-winning film The Big Short. Yet, individual people in financial services sometimes feel they have been personally held accountable for things they had nothing to do with.

It is taken as an article of faith in the search business that a strong CEO candidate needs to mesh with the prevailing culture. It sure sounds like common sense: who would doubt that a new CEO needs to share the company’s core values and get along with other senior managers?

September 22, 7-8:30 PM EST, 1.5 CE Credits $50 SCP Members $25 SCP Student Members