Whether it's you or one of your most revered clients, the words "it's lonely at the top" should be at the top your awareness. Today, and, unfortunately, into the future, the enormous challenges and stresses that CEOs face not only beleaguer their psyches, but will continue to devalue and in some cases collapse great companies. So where does the lonely and besieged CEO turn for help – especially those who may not know they need it?
Janet Fogarty, an executive coach with Vistage International, best counsels a runaway CEO by saying, "You forgot to put on your oxygen mask before helping others." Fogarty specializes in working with CEOs on issues that deeply affect them professionally and personally. And its primary premise is based on peer group advisory strategies.
When a CEO joins such a group she immediately is immersed into a world of independent advice – advice that is completely free from employee and spousal agendas. She is provided an open forum for not only getting her questions answered, but her answers questioned. She can get the answers to questions like: "Should I buy my own building or lease it?" "How can I effectively take my company to the next level?" "What will make me more accountable?" "How can I keep my life in better balance with regard to my health and performance?" And all this advice is given within the confines of a group she can trust.
