Most successful executives, government leaders and top sales professionals have an ability to move forward quickly. They understand how to accelerate ahead of their competitors. In most cases, their greatest competition is not the other person in their company or the competition - it's competing against themselves. They try to better their bottom line, their productivity, their sales or whatever they measure. It is this ability and desire to strive that has brought the executive to the level of success they now enjoy. They know how to use the gas pedal!
Less well worn for most of these top executives is the brake pedal. Some seem to have never even used it at all. The pressure to stay ahead encourages the executive to try to floor it throughout their career because the other driver is either ahead of you or at least in your rear-view mirror and closing fast.
What retired executive successes will often share with their fast-lane successors is that it's important to use the brakes too. The unintended consequence for many top executives is loneliness, frustration and ultimately despair. Life - that non-renewable resource has gone by in a blur. The time with spouse, children, friends and exploring yourself as a person have been left behind in the dust of getting ahead. The achievements of executive life are colored by the losses of the dimensions of relationships and the true joy of living.
Many driven executives have spent their lives convinced that they will slow down after the next big deal or the next promotion. Then they will relax and take time for their spouse, children and friends. That worthwhile charity will have my time once I retire. I'll help out in my community when work lets up. I'll pick up the paint brushes, learn that musical instrument or take that trip another time. Many executives wake up one day to find out its too late. The company they invested their life into has been sold. They've been replaced. A health problem takes you out of the game. Or like many executives who have finally achieved all their goals - you have a moment where you ask, "Is this all there is?"
Great executive coaches help the executive make choices for balance in their life and career. With a commitment to a whole person approach to the executive coaching process, the effective coach believes that not only is this kind of balance wise - it actually will make you more successful in your career as well.
Then at the end of your life - you'll not only have a great career story - you'll have a great life story!
To learn more about this author, visit Grant Fairley's Website.
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