How Leaders Become a Victim of Their Own Success

In my career as an executive coach, I have witnessed and advised many leaders on the challenges that they experience. But one of the biggest and most neglected challenges is the problem of becoming a victim of one’s success.

- PAYAL NANJIANI

And many leaders and executives aren’t paying attention to this serious problem that’s leaving them accomplished in numbers but unfulfilled in life.

Last week while coaching a senior director, he said something I have heard from almost all of my CXO clients. He said, ‘Payal, my high levels of efficiency and productivity in closing deals has made me super successful, but it has all come at the expense of my family, time, and health.’

I’ve learned while working with high-performing CEOs and leaders that they often – sooner or later, become victims of their success.

Now let me tell you, these are outstanding leaders, people we idolize, read about in books and see in the media. They are the ones who continue to make things happen, overcoming any obstacle in front of them.

With an aim to deliver great results for their partners and clients and be considered brilliant in their field, many leaders fall prey to the extreme demands and unrealistic expectations they put on themselves and their team.