There was a great article in the most recent issue of Fortune magazine that I found interesting. The article was called “The Best Advice I Ever Got” and consisted of a list of leaders talking about just that. The one quote that I’d like to share is from Eric Schmidt, chairman and CEO of Google.
Hire a coach.
The advice that sticks out I got from John Doerr, who in 2001 said, "My advice to you is to have a coach." The coach he said I should have is Bill Campbell. I initially resented the advice, because after all, I was a CEO. I was pretty experienced. Why would I need a coach? Am I doing something wrong? My argument was, How could a coach advise me if I'm the best person in the world at this? But that's not what a coach does. The coach doesn't have to play the sport as well as you do. They have to watch you and get you to be your best. In the business context a coach is not a repetitious coach. A coach is somebody who looks at something with another set of eyes, describes it to you in [his] words, and discusses how to approach the problem.
Once I realized I could trust him and that he could help me with perspective, I decided this was a great idea. When there is [a] business conflict you tend to get rat-holed into it. [Bill's] general advice has been to rise one step higher, above the person on the other side of the table, and to take the long view. He'll say, "You're letting it bother you. Don't."
Once I realized I could trust him and that he could help me with perspective, I decided this was a great idea. When there is [a] business conflict you tend to get rat-holed into it. [Bill's] general advice has been to rise one step higher, above the person on the other side of the table, and to take the long view. He'll say, "You're letting it bother you. Don't."
To read on all 22 pieces of best advice starting with Tiger Woods go to http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/fortune/0906/gallery.best_advice_i_ever_got2.fortune/index.html
I like the quote from Schmidt for several reasons. First and foremost, it is always nice to hear someone with a loud voice promote the coaching field. Many development professionals are struggling in their business as the game has changed. What this article points out is that now is a time that leaders are searching for advice and guidance to ensure that they are doing everything they can to move their business forward. A coach is just the guide to facilitate growth [especially those coaches with the FEBI in their tool box :-)].
The other reason I like this quote is from the second paragraph. This tendency to “get rat-holed” is certainly something I can relate to. It is easy to get small when faced with a worrisome problem. Unfortunately by doing so you’re not helping yourself deal with that problem. Rather than getting small where your sight is limited, the focus must be staying big where you’re in a better position to generate solutions. In this way Schmidt’s coach helped him in rising one step higher and taking the long view.
Best advice indeed. I’ve already scribbled the last sentence on my dry-erase board above my desk…”You’re letting it bother you. Don’t”.
-Anthony