You're a high performer.
You get things done.
You even get recognition for that.
But here’s the problem:
Being the go-to person for execution can trap you in the weeds.
Whilst your boss tells you they’re happy with your performance, you see colleagues getting promoted above you even though they work less.
You’re buried under tasks and projects, and guess what? It’s holding you back from the bigger opportunities.
Why? Because while you're getting bogged down in details, you're missing out on the strategic impact your role demands.
So, how can you tell that you are stuck in the weeds?
Here are some signs:
You oversee every detail, needing final approval on everything.
You do tasks yourself because it’s faster than delegating.
You feel valuable only when you're 100% busy.
You have great ideas but never have time to develop them.
Sound familiar? Don't worry—you can break free.
Start with your mindset.
Even though you are working hard, you are in your comfort zone. You are good at getting things done and firefighting. You may even claim that’s your skill. You get patted on the back for a job well done and you feel wanted.
But is that enough?
To get promoted to the next level, you need to stop doing so much and get involved in initiatives where you don’t dominate the terrain. That takes courage and a plan:
Here’s how to shift from doing to leading.
1. Balance Execution with Strategy
Most new leaders start in execution mode, but to advance, you need to shift toward strategy and innovation. According to McKinsey's “The Alchemy of Growth,” leaders should balance three horizons:
Execution (current operations)
Strategy (expansion)
Innovation (new ventures).
If you’re spending all your time on execution, it’s time to let go. You need to move into the other two areas gradually.
💡 Tip: Use the 80/20 rule. Identify the 20% of tasks that will have the most impact on you and your company. Focus your energy and time on these tasks, and delegate the remaining 80% of your tasks.
2. Delegate and Empower Your Team
Be honest—if you’re not delegating, it’s not your team’s problem, it's your problem.
You don’t delegate for two reasons:
1) You think your team can’t do the work.
2) Delegating is dumping work on others.
Many times, people don’t even test their team to its capacity. First, try and see what happens. If your team doesn’t have the required skills, it’s up to you to develop them. If you have some people who can’t step up, consider changing them - but only after you’ve tried everything else.
Delegating isn’t about offloading tasks. It’s about empowering your team to grow. Someone once gave you that opportunity to step up.
Now, it’s your turn.
💡 Tip: Create check-in structures. Don’t abandon your team nor micromanage, but ensure there are regular progress updates and coaching opportunities.
3. Train Your Brain to Think Strategically
If you're stuck in the weeds, you likely haven't made time for strategic thinking. And when you try, you're staring at a blank page, unsure where to start.
Here’s a structure I recommend for strategic thinking time:
Review quarterly goals and your team's progress.
Assess what’s working and propose changes for what isn’t.
Identify growth opportunities in your company and where you can help.
Identify key stakeholders and book time with them.
💡 Tip: Ask your manager or other senior leaders how they approach strategic thinking.
Work with them, and they will immediately see you in a different light.
4. Take on High-Impact Projects
To get out of the weeds, dive into projects that stretch your strategic muscles. Sign up for initiatives that force you to delegate lower-priority tasks and think at a higher level. Offer to lead.
This shift will not only challenge you to grow but also demonstrate your value as a strategic leader.
💡 Tip: Identify projects that align with long-term goals and push you out of your comfort zone.
Your Next Steps
Getting out of the weeds takes time and intention.
Whilst it is nice to be praised for getting things done, you want to be rewarded for your work, too.
That requires moving from execution to strategy.
No one will guide you step-by-step—you have to initiate the shift yourself, and that starts by changing your mindset.
By balancing execution with strategy, delegating effectively, and taking on high-impact projects, you can transition to the next leadership role you deserve.
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