Transition from manager to leader: Coaching story, personal growth

- Now, I want to share a story about one … of my coaching clients who learned exactly why … these skills are pivotal for success. … The senior vice president of a major technology company … needed to choose a leader for a company-wide initiative. … The obvious choice was the manager of her … top-performing department, a woman named Julie. … Now, Julie was known for being sharp and talented … but her colleagues perceived her to be hyper-productive … and overly focused on the job at hand. … Reliable and driven but not necessarily … influential and inspiring. … Still, the senior VP believed in Julie's potential. … So she suggested an executive coach might be helpful. … In our first meeting, I asked Julie to describe … some of the characteristics of people who have that X factor … or executive presence. … She said, "Well, you know, they're naturally outgoing. … "They dress the part. … "They play the game. … "They're decisive, they're strong communicators, … "and people pay attention when they have something to say." …