We live in an age of credentials, it seems. VIM Executive Coaching is often amazed at those whom we meet, who have a string of acronyms and titles after their names. We can understand it, of course, for human nature is such that we want to prove our worth to strangers, customers and clients. However, we must admit the credentials can sometimes be a little silly.
In recent weeks, we’ve encountered car mechanics, interior designers, insurance sales people, massage therapists, picture framers, dog trainers, people trainers, and several executive leaders with not one, but several initials and acronyms after their names.
Where it leads
Obviously, some credentials are pretty darn important. We’d like to know our orthopedic surgeons actually appeared before the surgical board before they play with our knees; it’s nice to know the crew piloting our jet to Maui was certified to fly our aircraft and even that the teachers in our children’s schools are certified to teach.
However, when it comes to executive leadership, we must admit that after the MBA’s in the titles, even the PhDs and the occasional M.D., we are often bewildered by the other initials. When we “probe,” always respectfully, of course, we learn of esoteric certifications, industry awards and various titles of value to industry insiders.
Quite often, indeed, far too often there is a tendency to equate degrees, letters, acronyms and other designations with effective executive leadership. It is as though the letters, quick-courses, seminars and instructional videos are seen as offering instant status and lofty credentials. Unfortunately, there is typically no correlation.
We knew of an executive leader, a heavily-credentialed leader with several laminated certificates, who would routinely go on tirades from throwing books about the office to standing on his desk and shouting at board members. We are not saying all of the numbers and credentials lead to that (!) however, they can’t cover for anger or a lack of restraint either.
What matters
Traditional martial artists start with a sparkling clean uniform and over the years of training and work, the white belt slowly, ever-so-slowly the pristine, white belt turns dark then very dark. As the martial artist continues, the black belt again, becomes worn and then “white” again. There is no green, purple, red or yellow belt; all of those constructs are added credentials. The same, we suppose are true of writer, fine artists, potters, dancers and actors. The credential is in the talent. The executive leader, likewise, is highly skillful in any organization. It is an art to lead, a talent that may need years to develop.
In all of the examples we cite above (and a thousand more), behind the credentials and accolades are falls, failures, humiliations, (sometimes) mockery and critics galore.
We need to again make it clear that professional credentials are important, but from an executive leadership point-of-view, none of them can come close to the one “state” for which there are no initials; mindfulness.
In mindfulness, an executive leader has no choice but to face themselves. The credential of authenticity carries no belts, trophies, medals or plaques. The mindful, authentic executive is in-the-moment and acts out of a legitimate response, not an over-the-top reaction, bias or judgment without a weighing of the facts.
VIM Executive Coaching is dedicated to helping executive leaders become more mindful and authentic. We can think of no higher credential.