Relationships: a wise investment
It was January 13, 2012 when I realized I was ready to give my notice and leave a comfortable executive position. The role wasn’t big enough for me, it didn’t allow me the space to make the impact I desired. That may sound strange and, in many ways it is, which may be why I needed a dramatic life experience to prompt me. Some of you may remember, from earlier posts, that this was just 9 months after I survived a stroke. I didn’t act impulsively. I took action, after exercising my curiosity over these 9 months. Figure out what path could open up possibilities for me to feel challenged, happy and satisfied in my work again was critical.
During the week of January 9, 2012, I booked a vacation to attend a certified coaching program. It was a surprise to me to learn my peak career experience was actually years earlier. Back to a time when I served as a provocateur and internal consultant to leaders. I was at my best when in a role, looking from the ‘outside’, ‘in’. Don’t misunderstand, I have been well served by my experience as a President/CEO. It became clear, though, it wasn’t the best fit for my strengths, style and desired approach. I wasn’t sure how I’d create a new reality that fit this insight but I knew I needed to take the leap.
Giving Notice
Sunday afternoon, January 15th, 2012 was the Board Meeting. I watched for my opportunity to share my decision. The conversation, as usual, was both robust and varied on every agenda item. I was doing my best to remain focused and engaged. As I was expressing myself carefully in response to a question, a member of the board leaned across the table as if to look at me more closely. “What’s up Rox? Something’s different in how you are expressing yourself. Tell us what’s troubling you,” he finally said. My opening.
I shared my news – short and sweet. Silence. Then, without missing a beat, the Board Chair said, “Three months is great, but we require at least 6 months notice.” I was just as quick to agree.
On the ride home I considered the huge decision and the big changes ahead of me. I found myself reflecting over my career. For whatever reason, I thought of the work of Stephen Covey. I had taught many of his principles as part of leadership development programs I designed in my career. Specifically, I thought about his concept of the Emotional Bank Account. Why had I agreed to extend my notice to 6 months? Largely because members of the board had banked a lot of trust and goodwill with me. I had worked with them for 4 years. While it had been very difficult, immediately after they bought the business, we learned to respect and appreciate each other very much.
By the way, I ultimately gave the board an additional 11 months (with some conditions) and I plan to share the painful story of the final month at some point – I am not quite ready to do that.
The Emotional Bank Account
This metaphor of an Emotional Bank Account was always resonated for me. Its usefulness is driven by the nature of the deposits themselves. With reserves of trust, respect and caring, in my experience, the return on investment is vast. Compounding interest I suppose. This type of account is rarely subject to significant fluctuations in the market – although possibly impacted by the climate and culture inspire and support by a leader.
In my observation too many leaders make superficial deposits. Then, through harsh demands and a focus on outcomes and tasks, frequently require excessive overdraft protection. These leaders rely on their positional power in place of making personal deposits. The personal deposits may grant them meaningful influence but often require different skills. The leader who understands the limits of positional power (power-over) and the vast potential of relational influence (power-to), is the beloved leader. A leader who will be followed anywhere! This is the leader who, because of their relationship-orientation, has significant reserves on which to draw when needing to navigate the unexpected or most difficult circumstances.
Being An Influential Leader
How can you be or what can you do differently to exercise your “power-to” – the relationship-orientation? What impact will you make when your deposits or investment strategy is more relationship focused?
ImpactBank was created out of my experience with and recognition for the significance of generating an Emotional Bank Account. (This week’s podcast episode tells the story – 054 What Are You Banking On?) Initially, when no longer in a formal leadership role, the struggle was in identifying what I wanted to bank. Then one day it became clear, my mission was to make an impact, one leader at a time. And by caring for and about you and the impact you want to make I could impact all the people you touch. It seems big and a bit overwhelming some days and yet I feel compelled to keep pressing forward to realize my vision.
In my recent post, Get Set for Success I share a few of my goals for the coming year – it’s all about making or having an impact. While it may start with how I am being and inspiring, it must always be about the impact my actions and choices are having.
Walk With Me
I love my clients. I love you because you have chosen to step into the arena. Not just any arena but the arena of leadership. This arena is not for the faint of heart. A senior leader is called to step up and step out, to wear the results generated by many, to honour the contributions of every individual, and to inspire more than even you sometimes believe is possible. My advice to you is to focus more on the emotional bank-accounts you are building realizing that all of the other pressures you experience and accounts you need to maintain will be manageable when your Emotional Bank Account is overflowing and available to serve you and your mission.
NEVER forget….Your currency as a leader is presence, purpose and passion so make a deposit every day.
Roxanne is an Executive/Leadership Coach & Mentor who specializes in supporting and on-boarding leaders moving into a new challenge. Her practice, ImpactBank, works with leaders seeking to expand their influence and those working to earn a promotion.
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Walk with Me
If you are in senior leadership and have recently transitioned into a new role – OR – if you are about to on-board a senior leader and want to support their success, contact me for a no-obligation conversation about what you need from your senior leaders.
Email: roxanne@impactbank.ca • LinkedIN – • website: impactbank.ca •
Click HERE for more information about ImpactBank’s signature system: ON YOUR MARK…™.