What Got You Here Won't Get You There

This is the title of a book I am reading by Marshall Goldsmith and it is the basis of an executive coaching certification I hope to achieve. I think I like the premise so much because it has me written all over it.

When I was a young manager working in the electric utility industry (a long time ago), I was pretty decent at getting things done. In fact, you could probably say I was near the top of the range for accomplishing tasks, completing projects and finishing assignments. I am guessing that my work ethic and productivity helped me to climb the Jersey Central Power and Light ladder.

That being said, there was a point along the way (I remember I was driving on the Garden State Parkway in NJ) when I realized that my imaginary tool box was only half full. I was young, ambitious and had some immediate success but if I took a really hard and honest look at myself, I had to admit I had some annoying habits or behaviors and a flaw in my communication approach that needed to be addressed. I also realized that I was too operational. I needed to think and act strategically as well. It was a tough self conversation but looking back now, it was absolutely the right thing to do. After confirming these opportunities with trusted friends, mentors and my wife, I immediately tried to make the needed changes. It was difficult but I had to intentionally think about these areas each and every day.

As the years progressed, I often talked to my leadership team about being intentional. It seemed to be a concept that successful people (at work and home) had conquered. I remember reminding my leaders that:

• People want to be a part of something meaningful. It is up to us to convey this.

• Words matter. Be positive, uplifting and supportive as much as possible.

• Try to really listen when someone has an idea or a concern. (I was guilty of thinking about my reply while they were talking).

• Share bad news, no hiding or spinning. If you make a mistake, own it. Your credibility will actually improve as a result.

• Make a plan and then have relentless execution towards the plan. Make changes if necessary along the way, but we have to stay focused on the plan.

• Remind our teams of our core values over and over again. (In our case, always do the right thing and treat every patient like a loved family member).

On the home front, our kids surprised us with a ceremony on the beach recently where we renewed our vows. It was really cool to see each of them (and their spouses) play a role in the planning of the event. It may have been one of the highlights of my life. My newest ‘daughterette’ was video recording and she asked me what I thought was a secret to a long, loving marriage. She caught me off guard but I answered “that you need to care more about your spouse’s happiness than your own.” After reflecting on it some more since then, I stand by that answer. It is sort of a responsibility of love. You need to care more about the other person more than yourself. In addition, I am definitely a better husband now than I was 36 years ago. My ‘toolbox’ was almost empty back then and over the years, I often needed to admit my mistakes, stay focused on our vows and really be present and listen. With experience comes wisdom!

I guess, there really isn’t that much of a difference between work and home. The same skills and effort apply. We need to stay self aware of our weaknesses, constantly work to improve them, provide vision, be positive, admit when we screw up and stay true to our values and promises.

I don’t think we can ever achieve perfection but we can find success as at work and at home as long as we keep intentionally ‘moving the ball down the field’ towards it.

Thanks for reading this and have a great weekend.

With a goal to “help the next guy in line”, Glen Cavallo, a 30+ year healthcare executive has chosen to share the many lessons he has learned with others. Glen does this by serving as a coach/advisor to leaders at all levels of organizations, as a board member and as he presents inspirational speeches at regional, national, annual and awards meetings.