CEO Coaching: Your Fate Called. It Says You’re in Charge.
I caught an interview on NPR the other day, and the host asked her guest to name something in his life that was predetermined. He squirmed around the question, like it was a live grenade. But it stuck with me.
Some folks argue that a lot of life is predetermined. I don’t know any of them who are in senior leadership roles.
And that makes sense, right? Why lead if the destination’s already locked in? Why put in the 12-hour days and the ulcer-inducing board meetings if you can’t actually change anything?
If you’re in Russia, China, Cuba, or Venezuela, yeah—your life might feel pretty predetermined. And if you push back—say, like Alexei Navalny—well, may he rest in peace. Bravery under tyranny has a steep cost.
But if you’re reading this, chances are you’ve got options. You may not control everything (sorry, control freaks), but a hell of a lot is still in your hands.
The most driven leaders I know have zero time for fate or destiny. They see what they want and go after it like a dog on a steak. Taken too far, sure, that kind of intensity will get you in hot water, jail, or therapy but energy, creativity, and tenacity move mountains. Tell someone like this they can’t do something, and you’d better get out of the way. (It’s like waving a red flag at a bull—or a 50% off sign at my wife.)
All of this sounds obvious, but let’s be real: we all put up with stuff we could change. Bureaucracy. Dead weight. People who peaked in 2012. We say, “Let’s make the best of this,” when really… maybe “this” doesn’t have to exist at all.
Of course, there are limits. Laws and ethics still matter. Determination isn’t license to cheat, or bulldoze, or be that guy everyone avoids at the retreat.
But ask yourself: where in your business—or your life—have you quietly accepted a “no” that you could turn into a “maybe,” or even a “hell yes”? Where have you decided a barrier was fixed, when it might just be wiggly?
Try this: think of the most determined, ethical person you know. Channel their energy. What would they do if they were running your show?
Your business results aren’t predetermined. Your skill set isn’t. Your team isn’t. Your income? Nope. Even your happiness isn’t locked in.
Predetermination is just a fancy word for “I gave up.”
So go ahead. Poke the box. Rattle the cage. See what moves.
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].
