I recently spoke with the former Human Resources Director of a law firm who had lost her job in the recent recession. She is now Director of an HR consulting group. The former HR Director who is also an attorney was interested in me speaking on career mojo and engagement at a workshop in Silicon Valley. She specifically wanted to know how I worked with coaching clients and organizations to tap into people’s intrinsic motivation and enhance career development.

The HR Director and I spoke about my approach to executive/career coaching, and the factors that can derail one’s career. We discussed a number of mistakes otherwise competent and smart people make managing their careers. She was very open about mentioning some of her own foibles.

The Human Resource Director is interested in me speaking at the workshop about executive/career clients that have made predictable career mistakes. We further discussed how organizational leaders can benefit by working with a seasoned executive coach to avoid these mistakes and regain their mojo.

If you’ve been working hard for any length of time, in any field, chances are you’ve experienced at least one humiliating career failure. Career “hiccups” can kill your spirit and make it difficult to regain your motivation and drive.

Some of the “bad” things that happen to hardworking, well-meaning, capable people each day include:
• Missing the big opportunity
• Getting passed over for a promotion
• Getting demoted
• Losing a lot of money
• Getting fired
• Going bankrupt

What happens to us when our worst career nightmares come true?

There may not be scandalous headlines in the local papers, but with the emotional turmoil you’re experiencing, there may as well be.

Public or company humiliations suck the air out of one’s spirit, making it hard to carry on with dignity and drive. Our lifeblood and mental energy are drained.

Career-altering events can happen to anyone — and they do. But when they happen to us, they seem incomprehensible, largely because we’ve worked so hard to be nice, dedicated and well-meaning.

But even when we can partially blame the economy, there comes a time when we must take a hard look at what we could have done differently. Despite faltering companies, imperfect leaders, coworkers who don’t like us and other external variables, we must eventually engage in private, honest introspection. It’s time to ask: What part did I play in the events leading up to the career crisis?

Are you working in a company or law firm where executive coaches are hired to provide career and leadership development for organizational leaders? Does your company or law firm provide leadership coaching to help leaders maintain their career mojo? During hard economic times, leaders at all levels need to improve their emotional intelligence and social intelligence skills as part of overall career development.

One of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself is “Am I maintaining my career mojo?” Emotionally intelligent and socially intelligent organizations provide executive coaching and career development for leaders who want to be maintain their career mojo and be fully engaged at work.

Working with a seasoned executive/career coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i can help your leaders tap into their intrinsic motivation and career mojo and avoid costly career mistakes. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence and social intelligence, and who inspires people to become fully engaged with the vision, mission and strategy of your company or law firm.

I am currently accepting new executive coaching, career coaching, and leadership consulting clients. I work with both individuals and organizations. Call 415-546-1252 or send an inquiry e-mail to mbrusman@workingresources.com.