Executive Coaching Works

Executive coaching helps you to sit down on a regular basis and test what’s important. Determine what the current initiatives are, and what needs to happen next. Identify what kind of accountability to create.

The “Squirrel Syndrome”

Squirrel!!!

Copyright Disney/Pixar 2009

The “Squirrel Syndrome” describes an unplanned jump to the next thing or adventure. Executive coaching helps you get clear about whether it’s a good time to make that change. Is it a diversion? Or is it something that needs your attention?

Many entrepreneurs and founders experience the “Squirrel Syndrome” on a regular basis. This means that a lot of founders of companies are idea people. Their interest lies in what else is possible, what else is out there, the next great idea. It’s an advantage when you’re starting. It can be a challenge once you’ve got a company that’s up and running. That needs some consistency, some follow-through, processes and systems put in place. The tendency then is to say, “What else can we be doing,” or, “Where else should I be looking?” And sometimes you get a lack of focus. So we call that “Squirrel” – when attention gets diverted to the next great idea. This is where executive coaching can help.

Strategic Decision Making

It’s important to make conscious decisions about what has your focus and attention. Does an initiative benefit the long-term goals that you and the organization have? Or do you need to revisit what you are focusing on now? What is the next step in what you are trying to build?

How do you keep that focus and clarity every day?

The Power of Peer Groups

I work with 30 CEOs each month and The “Squirrel Syndrome” is discussed on a regular basis.

Executive Coaching Helps Answer These Questions

  • Should I make the decision to shift gears, resources, time, energy and focus into a new area?
  • Is it important that I pull back my natural tendencies and stay focused on the current goal?

It’s always an interesting conversation.

The CEOs that I work with are founders and entrepreneurs. The “Squirrel Syndrome”, the next shiny object, is something we talk about a lot in a group setting. Every month, we gather around a table with peers. Other people who have started companies and are running organizations.

Peer Group Members

  • Understand how easy it is to get distracted.
  • Help each other stay on course and on target with what they want to achieve.
  • Say to their peers, “Hold me accountable,” and that’s what they do for each other.

1-2-1 Executive Coaching

On top of that, I meet with them monthly, on an individual basis, and sit down and say, “Are we on target? Are we on track? Do you want to be allocating resources to that?”

The key is to be intentional about it. If it’s not a strategic move, shut it down and get back to focus and clarity on what you want to achieve.