For many people in leading positions, “lonely at the top“ is not just a simple cliché, but rather a sad reality. A personal sparring partner can make a crucial difference and this is exactly what renowned Swiss executive coach Thomas Gelmi specialises in.

1. 82 | Issue 24 | March 2015
A recent study of executive coaching which
was published by the Stanford Graduate
School of Business confirms: pressure and
need for personal support on higher man-
agement levels are massive and the conse-
quences of neglecting these facts can be
fatal, both personally and economically.
Europe’s shortcoming
While in the U. S. various forms of per-
sonal coaching and consulting have steadily
become a usual and legitimate way of sup-
port for managers and executives during
the past 25 years, in Europe a rather prob-
lem and deficit oriented perception is only
beginning to shift towards a more resource
and potential oriented way of seeing things,
in which top-performers especially have a
sparring partner at their side.This can sup-
port executives in improving their self-
awareness, in reducing blind spots, in de-
veloping their personal strengths even
more and in growing in areas that are im-
portant to them. Over all, this leads to more
authenticity and lasting contentment – for
themselves and for their environment.The
topics usually range from self-awareness
and self-management to coping with stress,
leadership and communication but very of-
ten career related topics are discussed as
well.
Emulated from top-class sports
This kind of partnership can best be com-
pared with top-class sports, where the
function of a personal sparring partner or
coach originally stems from. Top athletes
like Roger Federer all have a personal coach
and, regardless of their success, they don’t
stop working with their coaches but have
established long term relationships with
them. If we look back in time, when terms
such as ‘sparring partner’ or ‘coach’ didn’t
even exist, personal and professional topics
were often discussed with friends, family
members, close confidants or even a priest.
Of course, these persons can still be an ex-
cellent choice, provided that one has the
opportunity and access to them.
For many people in leading positions, “lonely at the top“ is not just a simple
cliché, but rather a sad reality. A personal sparring partner can make a crucial dif-
ference and this is exactly what renowned Swiss executive coach Thomas Gelmi
specialises in.
TEXT: MOVADIS | PHOTOS: PRESS IMAGES
Executive Sparring
– it can be lonely at the top
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2. Issue 24 | March 2015 | 83
Discover Germany | Special Theme | Outstanding Business Consultants
Social isolation and pressure have in-
creased
Ever since those days, our society has
changed drastically. In the age of technol-
ogy with its increasing possibilities of dig-
ital communication, genuine dialogue has
fallen by the wayside and social isolation
has massively increased. Rising up the ca-
reer ladder can further increase the feeling
of loneliness – and what that can lead to is
described in the introduction of this article.
This being said, for people in top-positions,
it is absolutely fundamental to be able to
exchange thoughts openly, to talk about
their fears and concerns and discuss possi-
ble solutions.
Leaders are expected to resolve seemingly
unresolvable situations and make the right
decisions. Pressure is often huge and what
works for a certain period of time and with
enormous effort can quickly change
through a culmination of various factors:
suddenly, thoughts are blocked in a prob-
lem trance, solutions seem to be out of
reach, the impression of failure becomes
more and more present and the feeling of
self-effectiveness drastically decreases.The
old faith in one’s own capacities needs to be
re-established.
Executive Sparring – a comprehensive
accompaniment
Executive Sparring goes far beyond classic
consulting or coaching. Most clients’situa-
tions are complex and require a dynamic
mix of roles from the conversation partner.
If specializing only in the role of a consult-
ant or coach, it will hardly be possible to
provide the comprehensive support that is
needed. Therefore, a professional sparring
partner must not only possess broad
methodological competence, but most of all
particularly human qualities. Only on this
basis, co-creation can happen – a close col-
laboration on even par that is fertile ground
for amazing insight and solutions, given
that both parties are open and get involved
in the process.
Just talking
Finally, there are clients who don’t even
necessarily follow a clearly set goal when
working with a sparring partner. They just
cherish the regular exchange and room for
trusting conversations with someone who
is neutral, unbiased and who doesn’t have
a personal agenda.These conversations can
take place in various settings: in the spar-
ring partner’s or the client’s premises, on a
walk in the park, in hotels, on car rides or
even during flights – of course utmost dis-
cretion and confidentiality are a given at all
times.
Conclusion
Personal support for executives is no longer
a luxury. It is fundamental in order to suc-
cessfully face future challenges.The stigma
of the manager that doesn’t seem to make
it on his own is slowly giving way to an im-
age that resembles one of a top athlete.
Someone who can not only afford having a
personal sparring partner but who confi-
dently shows this as a privilege and sign of
authenticity and the ability for self-reflec-
tion.
www.gelmi-consulting.com
Main image: Office in Zurich
Below: Thomas Gelmi
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