Why C-Level Executives and Leaders shouldn't sacrifice relationships for success

Stanford professor David F. Larcker performed a study on male CEOs and divorce, and found that most CEOs were long-tenured at a company at the time of divorce. Say, 25 years or so.

But, then, they often ended up leaving only a year or two after the divorce was complete.

My personal conclusion:

Men perform best when they feel supported and loved by a significant other. Unfortunately, often times the stress from a high level position will hurt the relationship due to lack of communication, time together, physical intimacy, or a variety of other factors.

The end of the relationship will bring about not only its own stress and frustrations, but the removal of the central support system that the man often relied on: His wife.

Or, perhaps, watching their personal lives be destroyed by their work has helped them to realize that the sacrifice simply isn't worth it.

In my most recent article I mention the decline of male to male friendships in recent years, and, particularly for CEOs, these friendships are difficult to develop for the same aforementioned reasons a marriage or relationship is difficult to maintain.

Many of these men are strongheaded and thrive in a leadership position, which is why they have become CEOs in the first place. BUT, they also need to understand that they are still human beings with wants and needs on personal and intimate levels. Sometimes, they need to accept or ask for help.

Lack of fulfillment and happiness in a personal life can destroy any level of professional success. Particularly when the success falls down your list of priorities when you are too frustrated or depressed to even enjoy it.

Don't allow your pursuit of success to overrule your need for human relationships. We are most effective and productive when we feel connected not only to our work, but to the people around us as well.

If you want my help and guidance to finally break through your boundaries and create an even happier and more fulfilled life with healthier relationships, reach out and let’s chat.

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