Executive Coaching for Problem Leaders: Addressing C-Suite Behavioral Issues

In the upper echelons of leadership, technical brilliance often masks behavioral toxicity. The “High-Performing Problem Leader”—often referred to as the “Brilliant Jerk”—presents a complex dilemma. They deliver fiscal results, yet their behavior creates significant liability, erodes organizational culture, and drives talent attrition. As the “Shadow of the Leader” casts a long path, a C-Suite executive’s behavioral dysfunction is not merely a personality quirk; it is a systemic risk factor.

This guide outlines a rigorous, non-negotiable framework for coaching executives who are technically valuable but behaviorally destructive. Unlike developmental coaching focused on growth, this is remedial coaching focused on survival and alignment. It details the process of data-driven diagnosis, the tripartite contracting structure, behavioral modification techniques, and the critical “off-ramping” protocols for when coaching fails.