What critical mental shift must highly capable professionals achieve to perform as true executives, often causing failure if missed?
Answer
They must learn to operate through delegation, trusting direct reports with details while maintaining high-level oversight of outcomes.
A common stumbling block for capable professionals moving into executive ranks is the inability to shift away from operational execution. True executive performance requires adopting a strategic distance, which is achieved by operating primarily through delegation. This means trusting subordinates to manage the day-to-day process details and technical specifics, rather than attempting to micromanage or correct those details personally. The focus must remain on the high-level results and outcomes, not the minute steps taken to achieve them.
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