Hitting a Wall

In this compelling episode of Business Brilliance, host David Habisch explores why CEOs need coaches and safe spaces for unfiltered feedback. Drawing from personal experience as a CEO, Habisch reveals why leaders often hit learning plateaus and how executive coaching can break through these barriers. Discover why even Fortune 500 CEOs rely on coaches for objective perspectives, and learn practical strategies for creating an environment that fosters honest feedback and continuous growth.

Welcome to Business Brilliance, the podcast where we help you navigate the complex world of business and personal development. I'm your host, David Habisch, and today we will explore the importance of leaders having coaches who can offer unbiased advice as well as a platform to vent their concerns and to test out new ideas in a safe space.

So, have you ever felt like you’ve hit a wall in terms of personal growth and learning? As a CEO, I've experienced this phenomenon firsthand. It's a common challenge that many leaders face.

We reach a point where we stop learning and growing, in part, because we’ve become isolated from the outside world. But why does this happen? Why do CEOs put up this wall around themselves, and what can you do about it? For a lot of us, it’s the incorrect perception that the CEO must be all-knowing and have all the answers, but that’s not the case and the best leaders understand this.

It turns out that many CEOs recognize the importance of continuous learning and personal development. That’s why most Fortune 500 CEOs have coaches. Having a coach provides them with a safe space to vent their ideas and thoughts about the future. Coaches serve as a sounding board, helping CEOs think through their strategies and challenges. They offer objective perspectives and insights that are free from any organizational dynamics or biases.

That raises a good question - why don't CEOs simply turn to their executive teams for guidance and support? After all, they are a trusted group of individuals who understand the company’s vision and goals better than an outsider likely will. The issue here lies in the fact that the CEO pays them. This creates a power dynamic that can hinder honest and unbiased feedback.

When someone’s paycheck depends on the CEO’s satisfaction, it's natural for them to be cautious about offering critical or conflicting opinions. They might fear jeopardizing their professional standing or the team dynamic. That’s where the reporting relationship comes in.

When you have a reporting relationship, it becomes even more challenging to get the full truth and unfiltered feedback. Employees might feel compelled to sugarcoat their input or withhold valuable insights to maintain harmony within the team. As a result, the CEO may end up making decisions based on incomplete or skewed information.

To combat these challenges, a good CEO knows that they need to step back and let others speak first. By going last in the room, they create an environment where team members can freely express their thoughts without fearing any repercussions or influence from the CEO. This approach fosters open and honest discussions, encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas to surface. When the CEO speaks last, they have the opportunity to absorb and consider all viewpoints before voicing their own opinion. This not only facilitates better decision-making but also demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive and collaborative culture within the organization.

Should you ever find yourself feeling stagnant in your learning journey as a CEO, consider reaching out for help. Find a coach who can provide you with the safe space you need to explore new ideas and challenges.

Also, recognize the limitations of relying solely on your executive team and the reporting relationship. When you do engage with them, be sure you are the one going last in the room. This lets you break down the walls that impede your learning and growth, and create an environment where everyone's voices are heard and valued.

Being a CEO doesn't mean you have to stop learning. Embrace the idea that continuous learning is vital for personal and professional success. Whether it's through executive coaching, building collaborative team dynamics, or simply taking a step back and listening, there are ways to overcome the wall and keep your learning journey alive and thriving.

Thank you for tuning into this episode of Business Brilliance. If you found today's content useful, please consider subscribing and sharing this podcast with others who might benefit, or join us at an upcoming Tiger Team Roundtable and experience the power of having a group of peers to draw upon. I'm David Habisch, and until next time, make sure you’re paying attention for feelings of frustration or isolation especially when you’re the leader. Seek out ways to get the honest feedback you need, while also having a safe space to share freely. I think you’ll find that everyone – and especially yourself – will benefit.