| The best advice Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO | | | | need a sounding board, but often the only people |
| of Google, ever got was to hire an executive | | | | around us that we can talk to are those that are |
| coach. | | | | impacted by the decision. Coaching is a place to |
| Initially when board member, John Doerr, | | | | test out ideas and strategy with someone you |
| suggested this, Schmidt resisted because as an | | | | trust who has no vested interest or competing |
| experienced CEO he didn't think he needed a | | | | agenda. |
| coach. But now he is a big fan of coaching and | | | | 3. Transitioning into a new bigger role. "What got |
| states in an interview with Fortune Magazine that | | | | you here won't get you there." A good coach can |
| "everyone needs a coach". (Check out link in my | | | | help a leader hit the ground running in a new role. |
| resource box below to see a video clip of the | | | | Past success can be a big impediment to moving |
| interview) | | | | up the ladder successfully as we tend to repeat |
| Why would a successful executive--someone | | | | what has worked in the past even though it may |
| talented as Eric Schmidt benefit from a coach? | | | | not be appropriate in our new role. Executive |
| Here are the top five reasons why leaders hire | | | | coaching can accelerate the transition and ensure |
| executive coaches. | | | | success. |
| 1. To gain perspective. At the top of an | | | | 4. To have a secure, safe, and confidential outlet |
| organization you have a unique perspective, but it | | | | to vent, when necessary. Pent up frustrations, |
| is also limited by your position of power. An | | | | anger, and disappointments impair good judgment, |
| executive coach is one of the few people that is | | | | and relationships. Everyone needs a safe place |
| able to tell you what you need to know, but | | | | and an understanding person to complain to, to |
| cannot or will not see. Your coach can give you | | | | vent, and to talk things out. |
| objective and constructive feedback on your blind | | | | 5. To stay ahead of the curve and become a |
| spots, and provide an outside perspective on the | | | | better leader. To win you need to continually |
| business and your team. | | | | upgrade your skills and think outside the box. Your |
| 2. To discuss ideas that are still in the inkling stage | | | | coach will provide tools, training and insights that |
| and support you in making better decisions. Ideas | | | | support you in playing your best game. |
| and strategy can grow through discussion. We all | | | | |