CEO Coaching: A Clown in the Palace
“When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king. The palace becomes a circus.”
—Turkish proverb
Well, the Turks might know.…
We deserve better than clowns, yet that’s what we have in many candidates for the halls of government. An understanding of economics, leadership, the constitution, and international relations with a big dash of emotional intelligence would be welcome.
But I digress… back to business. We have our share of clowns in CEO roles as well.
There’s no single standard for effective leadership. I’ve worked with many successful CEOs with dramatically differing skills. None of them, however, were clowns.
I have a list of attributes that, in my experience, define a skilled CEO. I use it in my coaching practice as a measuring stick and assessment tool. I like to look forward and talk about success, but for today let’s identify the “clown” list.
What are the characteristics of leadership clowns? They:
· Are narcissistic. This isn’t just a big ego, but true narcissistic personality disorder. No. 1 on my list. Mommy and Daddy may have started this—this person is now a clown for life!
· Lack gratitude. It didn’t take a village; they did it all themself!
· Lack vulnerability. “I’m sorry” is for losers.
· Aren’t just confident, but certain. “I’m right because I said so!”
· Lead with fear. Snarling and barking are much easier than coming up with great ideas!
· Surround themselves with sycophants. Get rid of those who disagree with you, and your dreams have come true. They all love you!
Ideas are important, as well as leadership traits, but if you work for Bozo, you should leave. You deserve better and you can’t save clowns from themselves.
If you look in the mirror one day and see a clown, get help immediately!
coaches CEOs to higher levels of success. He is a former CEO and has led teams as large as 7,000 people. Todd is the author of, Never Kick a Cow Chip On A Hot Day: Real Lessons for Real CEOs and Those Who Want To Be (Morgan James Publishing).
Connect with Todd on LinkedIn, Twitter, call 303-527-0417 or email [email protected].
