Professional athletes like Kobe Bryant or Tom Brady or Serena Williams wouldn’t have risen to the height of sports glory without being coached at every step of their careers.
But what about business leaders, artists and performers? They too know the importance of investing in their talents through coaching. People like Jack Welch, Meryl Streep, Renee Fleming, Itzak Perlman and renowned surgeon and author Atwul Gwande have all hired coaches.
Early in his career, Jack Welch, the former CEO of GE and the author of best-selling books on business success, actually blew up a chemical factory. So he met with his manager who coached him on what he should have done differently.
Meryl Streep has hired coaches to help with her acting techniques, singing and dialects during her illustrious career, recognizing that she often needs objective advice to become the best she can be.
Itzak Perlman hired a coach to listen to his performance in rehearsal and in a live performance to let him know what the audience responded to.
Opera diva Renee Fleming has had coaches throughout her career to help with her voice as she moved between different genres, from classical to pop music.
And Atwul Gwande hired a coach, another surgeon, to observe him during surgery to help him find ways to lower his complication rates, which had plateaued.
So What About You?
Successful executives are no different. They understand the need for objective, independent advice, clear goal setting, strategy and actionable plan, and flawless execution. The best seek out coaches because there is no limit to good ideas and new ways of doing things in a constantly changing world.
It just takes a first step. Take charge of YOUR professional destiny. Become an All Star. Invest in yourself!
Check out my next blog, which highlights executives who needed to uncover blind spots to get where they wanted to go!
