With corporate scandals still making headlines, there is a new atmosphere of CYA emerging within Corporate America.
The Sarbarnes-Oxley Act requirements and personal liability for failures, paid out of their own pockets, are causing directors, auditors and lawyers, as well as CEOs and CFOs, to protect themselves; while attempting to survive in a micromanaging, legalistic and often antagonistically formal environment. "Putting it in writing" is the name of this new game where informal candid conversations between the CEO or CFO with board members, company auditors or corporate attorneys are now virtually taboo.
Who does the CEO call when tough issues arise?
The CEO's personal coach has become the primary source for being safely listened to in supportive, brainstorming and just-in-time conversations. Bouncing ideas off a trusted adviser with an independent viewpoint provides a unique opportunity to work through a business or personal issue while being accountable to someone who plays no other role in your life.
Executive coaching is not a substitute for therapy and it's not business strategy. The client does the work while the coach guides by asking the right questions. The c-level client has to figure out what is the right business or personal decision, what behavior needs to change and how best to change it.
John G Agno, certified executive & business coach, www.CoachedtoSuccess.com