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In Cates' Book under development, 'Everything Political' (Copyright 2006), she describes how CSG's Executive Coaching offers a perspective from which everyone can benefit. She explains her philosophy that there's a budding executive in anyone who has the right tools...and how she 'got wisdom.' Below is taken from the Forward.
My greatest search for wisdom was in the book of Ecclesiastes, in the Bible. The message there often was stern but whimsical – but only took me so far. I still recall the advice that it is better to sit on the top of the roof of your house than to stay inside with a quarrelsome wife.
My quest for an MBA only answered one question – that nobody has all the answers. It’s my observation that the practicalities of living life successfully aren’t taught to us by the time we enter the ‘real world.’ And we waste so many years trying to figure things out. Unless we are among the lucky who are taught by experienced and articulate parents who have had 'careers,' or those being groomed for top executive roles as they enter corporate doors from top business schools. But even then, some of the common sense of how to live happily are often missed. We are presumed to know or to have somehow picked up along the way the kernels of life that will guide us through this process and journey. And if we had to ‘wing it,’ then it’s likely we are at most any stage of life now still searching for practical living techniques, and perhaps even basic happiness. Everything from how to get that next choice promotion, to the best technique for navigating office politics, to how to keep the weight off, or how to start over again after a divorce…and how to look your best doing all of the above.
I have been blessed to have the finest mentors one could meet, but the core of my ultimate success has been wisdom learned from the school of hard knocks. That doesn’t have to be the path, although for many it often is.. I believe that helping executives… young people…and housewives…and seniors…to prepare for the next track or to be the best they can be -- or to guide those ‘starting again’ at any challenge can jump-start success. And ultimately advance society’s progress. Thus, a key component of my business today is Executive Coaching. In the process of coaching top talent, it’s been my observation that there is a budding ‘executive’ in all of us, if we are given the right tools and get the important answers to important questions. The famed adage that knowledge is power. And a little knowledge can go a long way!
This book has been writing itself for many years. And its roots are probably at Georgia State University, where I was invited to speak years ago -- on marketing success factors. I looked around the room at the young wide eyes of beautiful young people and thought of my college days and speakers who would grace our classroom. I remember how boring it was at age 20, and how all I wanted to know really from them was how they got to the top position they were in. Not how they managed a successful marketing campaign – I could get that in the classroom or along the path. So I asked the class to vote – did they want me to speak about marketing or how to survive in the ‘real world’ and what it’s really like out there.
The vote was unanimous for the latter. An hour later after answering questions on what to wear to an interview, how to get promoted and giving advice on what to do if the receptionist wants your job (and will go after it at all costs!) – I noticed the outside hallway was lined with students who were seated and standing.
And taking note of everything I was saying.
My Executive clients would tell you that they are still asking some of these questions well into established careers!
We all want to be successful and happy, but we’re not often brave enough to admit that we sometimes don’t have a clue as to how to get there, or get there again, much less get started.
So, let’s get started!
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