‘Command is lonely’
Colin Powell
Overview
For those at the top of organisations the general perception is that they have ‘made it’, for they have prestige, power, and compensation to match.
However, many top leaders like Shakespeare’s fictional King Henry often feel ‘uneasy’; apprehensive, troubled, and uncomfortable in their role.
For Colin Powell, a past highly successful US General and the 83rd US Secretary of State, it is also about
loneliness, even isolation, writing in his memoirs that : ‘At the end of the day, after a leader has listened,
collaborated, delegated, and empowered , it’s time for him or her – and nobody else – to make the decisive and critical decisions… it’s time to show true leadership…your decisions may reflect input from many people, but they’re your actions. And whatever the aftermath of those decisions may be, you own it.’
A survey in 2012 found that 50% of the CEOs questioned experience ‘feelings of loneliness in their role’.
More significantly some 61% of this group believed that ‘it hinders their performance’. First-time CEOs were found to be particularly susceptible to this isolation with 71% of this group reporting that ‘the feelings [of loneliness] negatively affect their performance.’
For the organisation and the people they lead there are ramifications, for this is not good for decision-making, performance, culture, confidence, and may even pose an existential threat.
A few leaders have a person or two with whom they can discuss issues and can give them straight an-
swers. Many do not. Because a leader’s actions can reverberate widely, not just internally but externally, the effect of their feelings of loneliness and unease can become a larger problem if left unchecked. Guarding against the latter and developing the former is why joining one of our ‘Leader’s Retreats’ is a positive step.
What you can expect
Our aim is to bring together a group of similar leaders in a private house where experiences, feelings, dis-
cussion, learning, and reflection is encouraged with the aim of transforming thinking and leadership behaviours on both a personal and professional level.
We guarantee a safe and confidential environment through each location we use being for our exclusive
use with the whole Retreat operating totally under ‘Chatham House Rules’.
Each programme is built around the specific issues of the attendees comprising of a combination of small
group, breakout, and plenary sessions as well as one-to-one opportunities.
Our objective is to create a full and demanding programme designed to challenge you as a leader that will help you:
- Build/renew confidence, motivation, and energy in your current leadership role;
- Overcome current fears and challenges;
- Understand different operational cultures through the sharing of experiences;
- Identify personal potential leadership gaps;
- Enhance your leadership influence;
- Learn from a peer group some of whom could form a potential network of leaders with whom to continue your development as well as provide a future a supportive network;
- Reflect upon your leadership journey and think strategically about your future ; and
- Develop a personal and professional development plan.
Enrolling and cost
Each retreat offers limited places, a maximum of eight. To secure a place you need to nominate yourself
giving us supportive information in order that we can ensure that you are matched in a similar peer group.
Our fee for the three-day, two night residential retreat, post retreat support of one group webinar and one
post Retreat 1:1 coaching session is £2,750 excluding VAT for non-subscription members and £2,475 for
subscription members (a 10% discount) excluding VAT.
The fee includes all accommodation and food costs
(soft drinks throughout the day and wines with the evening meal are provided).
To find out more or to book a place please contact howardbetts@execdevelop.com