In The Weeds - To Be or Not To Be?

What works at one level of leadership is likely to run into serious limitations at the next level.

Said another way, what got you here, won’t get you there.

I’ve had a blast over the last few weeks leading trainings with a handful of organizations.  It lights me up to see people have their a-ha moments and to feel the energy of a group of leaders who WANT to be their best.

A version of the following has cropped up in every group….

“Yeah, but I have to be in the weeds with my people.”

I know I’ve said it.  I know I’ve felt it.  How about you?  Are you smiling (or frowning) remembering that point in your management career?

I love shifting from trainer mode to coach mode in those moments.

• What’s important about being in the weeds?

• What makes you nervous stepping back to view the garden vs being in the weeds?

• When are you most helpful for your team members?

• From which position can you most successfully advocate for the needs of your people - when you’re knee deep in it or you’re able to have a broader view?

Of course the answer is that there’s a time and a place for getting into the details.  It’s about building your awareness for how long you’re there, what’s serving you about that vantage point, and how quickly you can get what you need, to then zoom out and more effectively communicate the status and needs of your team to leadership.

We’re all at different points and have different levels ahead of us.

What’s working for you right now that has potential to be a limitation at your next level?

What are you holding onto now that you’ll need to release in your next role?

What does stepping into a broader view of the business require of you?