“I have to handle that.”
It’s a phrase I often hear when reviewing calendars and priorities with the C-suite leaders I coach.
Then I ask: “Consider this… What is it that *only you* can – and should – do?”
“That meeting or decision, for example… does it really need to be you, or could someone else take ownership, with the right support?”
That’s when the conversation begins to shift.
– “Actually, that’s true … maybe the COO should lead that meeting.”
– “Someone on my Executive Leadership Team could make that decision if I talked it through with them and let them take the lead.”
Sometimes we hold on to doing certain things because we’ve always handled them.
Sometimes it’s because we’re good at them. Sometimes because doing it ourselves feels faster and easier.
*But the cost isn’t just our time.*
Others lose opportunities to develop their judgment. The organization remains dependent on us. And we have less attention for the work that truly requires our unique contribution.
As Q4 gets underway, I’m going to look through my own calendar and my to-do list and choose one responsibility someone else could take greater ownership of – with the right support.
How about you? What are you holding on to that could become someone else’s opportunity to grow?