Forward Action Coaching

Executives & Managers: Accountability vs. Loyalty

2010-07-19T17:28:00.009-04:00

We have all heard the question - "What comes first, the chicken or the egg?"

I have a similar type of question for my executive clients - "What comes first, accountability or loyalty?" Over the past twenty years, most industries have become more competitive and tougher environments to play in. Many executives have thrown loyalty out the window as they make difficult decisions on a daily basis in an effort to maximize bottom lines. Executives with a soft side to them generally want to be loyal and this is a great quality, but at what cost?

Generally loyalty is not openly discussed in firms. Executives have a responsibility to their companies and managers should be held accountable for meeting or exceeding expectations. When managers do meet or exceed expectations, have they earned the loyalty of their bosses and organizations? Isn't it reasonable for an employee to expect loyalty in return for a strong performance on an ongoing basis?

Many managers are disillusioned by their company's apparent lack of loyalty. Years ago you could count on working for one company throughout your career and receiving a gold watch at retirement. We are living in a different time; a much more competitive and demanding time. The best way for a manager to receive their company's loyalty is to earn it. It would be wise for managers to hold themselves accountable for exemplary performance. Exemplary employee performance generally earns the loyalty of the organization.

"What comes first, accountability or loyalty?" Accountability, and that's my final answer.

Gary Cohen is a faculty member at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and a partner at Forward Action Coaching, LLC where he specializes in executive, leadership and career coaching. Contact Gary at gary@forwardactioncoaching.com and visit Forward Action Coaching, LLC at www.forwardactioncoaching.com.

Getting Out of Our Own Way

2009-09-13T14:20:00.002-04:00

As a professional executive and career coach, a common thread I find with clients is that they create many of the obstacles that get in the way of achieving their goals. This sounds crazy! If we are determined to achieve our goals, why would we sabotage ourselves along the way? Most, if not all of us, will experience this phenomenon at some point in our lives, but may not even be conscious of it. I was certainly in this position and through the help of my coach, began moving forward and eventually overcame my own obstacles to achieve my goals. Why do we get in our own way and what role does a coach play in helping us navigate around these self-imposed roadblocks?

Often times we get in our own way because of some kind of fear – fear of failure, fear of success, fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of rejection…and the list goes on. The easy way to avoid facing our fears is to practice self-sabotage, and remain nestled in a little cocoon known as our comfort zone. Sometimes remaining in a place where we really don’t want to be is more secure than venturing outside of our comfort zone and going after what we really do want in our lives. Fear is a powerful force that must be confronted head-on to overcome obstacles. When we allow fear to take over, we actually relinquish control over our destiny. Fear holds us back, keeping us from stretching outside of our comfort zones, a key ingredient to personal and professional growth.

We develop specific fears for numerous reasons, far too many to mention in this article. The good news is that everyone has the capability to overcome their fears and get out of their own way, clearing a path for the creation of positive personal and professional changes in our lives. There is nothing better than pursuing our passions without self-sabotage. A professional coach helps us navigate through the obstacles we have created, jump-starting us when we are stuck and accelerating our progress toward achieving our goals. This is achieved through guided self-discovery, with the coach asking powerful questions, challenging the client and creating a new level of accountability. This is accomplished in a safe environment for the client, with the feeling of partnership and support.

Even the best in their field can benefit from a coach. Tiger Woods, arguably the best golfer in the world, has a coach. Professionals hire a coach for a couple of reasons. One is that they have difficulty seeing their own mistakes and the other is the belief that we must continue to improve and get better on an ongoing basis to experience personal and professional growth. Many of the best and brightest in their fields work with a coach, so if you choose to do so, you will be in excellent company.

Gary Cohen is a faculty member at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and a principal of Forward Action Coaching, LLC where he specializes in executive, career and family business coaching. Contact Gary at gary@forwardactioncoaching.com and visit Forward Action Coaching, LLC at www.forwardactioncoaching.com.

The Bright Side of Job Loss

2009-08-17T17:31:00.010-04:00

Losing your job during these tough economic times is a traumatic event and the realization of one of our greatest fears while we are employed. This is particularly difficult for breadwinners who feel the self-imposed pressure to “bring home the bacon” as expeditiously as possible. When this misfortune strikes us, our first thought is to search for the same type of job in the same industry, simply because this is what we know, are comfortable with and believe to be our best opportunity. Few executives and managers take the time to evaluate their career satisfaction over the past several years, simply because we are creatures of habit and by nature resist change. However, we are assured a better quality of life if we are passionate about our work and look forward to it each and every day. Shouldn’t we be taking stock in this truism?

My point is simply that job loss is a golden opportunity to revisit our career aspirations and make positive changes. It is a time to consider reinventing ourselves. We don’t have to lose our job to go through this exercise. I speak from experience, as I left a senior management position to become a business school faculty member and certified executive and career coach. Think about what you are passionate about and the activities that feed your soul. Wouldn’t it be great to earn a living around these passions? Many people successfully transition to new careers where they experience the delight of doing what they love every day.

If you are out of work and love what you were doing, look to continue in your field with another firm. If you are no longer passionate about your work and need a paycheck now, it would be prudent to search for a position in your current field, but don’t ignore the opportunity to reinvent yourself and follow your passion. You may find that losing that job was a blessing in disguise.

Gary Cohen is a faculty member at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and a principal of Forward Action Coaching, LLC where he specializes in executive, career and family business coaching. Contact Gary at gary@forwardactioncoaching.com.