Why every CEO needs a coach: Eric Pliner on the issues and attributes taking center stage for today’s leaders

Most of us will agree that CEOs need to be the ultimate people leaders to deliver strong performance for their companies. So, do they need any coaching at that level? As I can tell you firsthand, the answer is YES!?

Eric Pliner has coached dozens of CEOs—including me—about what it takes to be an effective leader in today’s turbulent world. He literally wrote the book on this subject as author of Difficult Decisions: How Leaders Make the Right Call with Insight, Integrity, and Empathy.

I recently sat down with Eric, who is also CEO of YSC Consulting, for my latest episode of #OnPurpose. During our conversation he talked about the issues leaders are grappling with today, and his advice for resolving conflicted?choices.

?“The role of the leader, whether it's a CEO or any leader at any level of business, is to always think about and understand: What does it take to engage people, to support people, to motivate people, to help people feel they are part of something important?"

What’s equally interesting is Eric’s winding road to the coaching role: He’s been a playwright, a university professor, and a specialist in education, diversity & inclusion and youth development for government and nonprofit organizations. All this has allowed him to shape his own leadership style and influence CEOs around the world.

But what gives him purpose is much closer to home.

?“I have a 9-year-old daughter and two 4-year-old sons. I think a lot about the fact that I can’t prepare the road for them, but I can prepare THEM for the road.”

Thank you, Eric, for the conversation and for boldly challenging leaders to be vulnerable, empathetic and to connect with people on a deeper level. In case you missed the video, I encourage you to check it out below.?