Hbc: When Everything Isn't Half Enough

Although Norman Spencer possesses a high degree of career success, his personal life is unfulfilling to him and he experiences persistent feelings of emptiness about his life. Norman is the owner, president, and CEO of Arrowhead Capital Management, a very successful investment firm that he founded and nurtured through hard work and dedication. A self-made man, Norman came from very humble beginnings. Raised by a single parent, Norman often felt embarrassed as child that his mother struggled to support his family after the death of his father. He recalls vividly feelings of shame stemming from being referred to as “white trash” during his childhood.

Throughout his early adulthood, Norman greatly admired his wife’s father, who rose to affluence from meager beginnings. One of Norman’s greatest moments was hearing his father-in-law refer to Norman as a hero. Following this event, Normal poured himself into his job and let his family life suffer. Despite his professional success, his relationships with family members have become strained. He rarely speaks to his wife and daughter and is oblivious to his son’s pleas for his love and attention. Though Norman believes his family should be happy in light of their financial means, his family is in crisis.

Similarly, Norman is not enjoying his success at work. His misery at home has extended into the office and his behavior towards his staff has become so truculent, he was asked to stay away from the analysts so that they could work more effectively. Norman feels indifferent towards his staff and irritated by his communication with them. He has no appreciation for the needs of his employees and spends most work days feeling numb. Consequently, in the midst of tremendous financial success, Norman feels joyless and empty.

Norman’s problems center on his lack of self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Norman is completely unaware of how his behavior impacts his family and colleagues. He does not consider...