I sat before the C-level leaders, four of them – the CEO, the COO, the CFO, and the CIO.
We were planning a development program for the direct reports to the C-level.
I asked whether any of the C-level would attend. “No” came the firm reply, “We’re too busy and we’ve all done this sort of thing ages ago.”
I had a decision to make there and then.
My usual practice is to encourage senior leaders to participate, not only for their own learning, but also to model the way and to aid in engaging with their people. In some cases, if the senior leaders won’t participate I withdraw my offer to help.
I asked “Would you consider me coaching you around the content to ensure everyone is on the same page and so you can demonstrate participation that way?” After a brief pause, they agreed. I breathed a silent sigh of relief.
Unfortunately there is a habit amongst many senior leaders in not continuing their development. As a result they self bonsai their development and soon become much less effective than they intended.
Their excuses for not continuing their development, whether with their people or not, are not valid. Too busy; we did it ages ago; we have another pathway for us (rarely evident) are the common excuses. Their excuses mask their fears.
Leadership is a life long journey and the best leaders are always willing to participate in development opportunities, ideally with their people, to lead the way and build engagement, as well as continue their own development.
What do you think?
