Coach Me! Your Personal Board of Directors

27 The Leader as Coach

Lance Secretan

Dr. Lance Secretan is one of the world’s top authorities on inspirational leadership; a trailblazing teacher, mentor, advisor, and leadership coach (ranked 4th in the world); and a world authority on corporate culture. For his 21 books about inspiration, corporate culture, and leadership, he has received numerous teaching, writing, and humanitarian awards. He is an expert skier, kayaker, and mountain biker, and divides his time between Ontario and Colorado.

When Stephanie was promoted recently to the role of CEO, she was thrilled and also felt like a deer caught in the headlights. “What exactly am I supposed to do?” she wondered. “Where do I learn how to be a great CEO?”

I worked with Stephanie to help her move out of her ego-centered fear (will I be effective, admired, successful, etc.?) and instead focus externally on the needs of others (they will quickly tell you what those are!). There is no sophisticated model needed for this. Just (1) what is the most effective and caring way to effectively listen to those I lead? (2) Once I identify their needs, what is the best way to meet them? (3) What does it take to inspire others to personal fulfilment and performance? (4) Do we share a dream?

I recently conducted a study of business literature and management journals to discover the most-often referenced “top qualities of a great leader” (Secretan, 2018). Here, alphabetically arranged, is a composite list of what I found. A great leader, ...