TY  - JOUR
TI  - Career derailment: Burnout and bullying at the executive level
AU  - McCormack, L.
AU  - Abou-Hamdan, S.
AU  - Joseph, S.
AB  - Executive derailment refers to unexpected and unwanted changes in the trajectory of an executive career caused either by factors within the person or by organisational factors external to the person, or a combination of both, leading to loss of identity. This phenomenological study explored subjective experiences of four high functioning professionals who had experienced executive derailment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results showed four superordinate themes that encapsulated a trajectory from severe loss of identity, integrity and livelihood, to newly de ned authenticity following derailment: (i) self-doubt and blame; (ii) targeted bullying; (iii) psychological vulnerability and distress; and (iv) meaning-making and personal growth. The  rst three themes highlight varying levels of psychological distress and burnout and the vicarious impact on family life. The fourth theme involved a rede ned self-integrity where forgiveness and psychological recovery could emerge and allow for a reconsideration of career pathways. The recognition that personal and professional growth can arise following executive derailment is a novel  nding with important implications for coaches. A positive psychological and growth-oriented mindset may be helpful in harnessing change with executives following derailment.
IS  - 1
JO  - International Coaching Psychology Review
PY  - 2017
KW  - burnout
KW  - derailment
KW  - growth
KW  - bullying
KW  - psychological distress
SP  - 24
EP  - 36
UR  - shop.bps.org.uk/publications/publication-by-series/international-coaching-psychology-review/international-coaching-psychology-review-vol-12-no-1-march-2017.html
VL  - 12
LA  - English
ER  -