The Missing Degree for CEO Success

There is no such thing as a degree in CEO studies. Thus, CEOs come from all kinds of backgrounds: marketing, fundraising, human resources, finance, or business, just to name a few. Executive leaders are talented people, and they get promoted along the way because of their skills and focused expertise. 

But CEOs may find, once they get to the top, that they aren't prepared for the struggles that come with the top position: isolation, personnel issues, oversight of corporate areas different from their background, communication struggles, and rapidly changing demands. And organizations are expecting more from their managers than ever before. 

There is no degree that prepares you for the range of issues you might face. I know a CEO whose company has worked the same way for many years. His executive team is small, but now that the company is expanding, problems with one particular member are starting to become pronounced. But here’s the problem: the CEO is not very confrontational, and this team member is an original founder of the company. But if the problem does not get addressed, it’s not going to end well.

You may have even had some training along the way. Odds are good that the training is outdated and not always helpful in today’s workforce. However, organizations that invest in executive leadership coaching have higher rates of training leaders who are successful and resilient.

According to betterup.com, managers who underwent leadership coaching to build resilience saw a 31% increase in team performance, a 9% increase in team innovation, and a 52% decrease in burnout.

Coaching is very empowering for leaders and especially CEOs. Leadership coaching gives CEOs the space to have one-on-one conversations with someone who is outside of the organization. A good coach will help the client understand their specific strengths as well as areas of growth. A leadership coach will help you set goals for personal growth and for building new skills.

Here are seven ways that leadership coaching will support you:

1. Acquiring and offering feedback
2. Recognizing development opportunities
3. Developing awareness
4. Generating solutions by asking the right questions
5. Encouraging lifelong learning
6. Offering long-term support
7. Establishing a system of accountability and monitoring progress

  (https://www.betterup.com/blog/why-every-successful-manager-needs-leadership-coaching)

If you’re struggling in your position, you are not alone. In fact, the majority of CEOs do not feel prepared for the specific struggles attached to the top job. However, you don’t have to go it alone. Investing in a leadership coach will not only address your struggles but will teach you how to thrive at your workplace.

Training for leaders looks different these days. More top companies are investing in executive coaching to support their top talent – and with good reason. As I said, there isn’t a degree to prepare CEOs, but there is help.

Vibrancy Unlocked coaches CEOs to thrive so they build a better workplace. Contact us at www.vibrancyunlocked.com.