Executive leadership is begging you to step up and be more strategic. Why is it so hard???
Losing Your Identity as a Doer and Fixer
For many leaders, stepping back from being the problem-solver feels like an identity crisis—kind of like discovering your favorite superhero cape is suddenly in the laundry. You've built your career as the go-to fixer, the human Swiss Army knife who can solve any problem in a snap.
But here's the twist: what got you here won't get you there. The very habits that made you the office MacGyver (or MacGruber- iykyk) can now hold you back from bigger, more meaningful roles.
When you shift from being the person who does to the person who guides, you unlock a new level of leadership. Instead of being the bottleneck (or the office "everything machine"), you become the multiplier—the leader who empowers a team to solve problems independently. And that’s what makes you truly indispensable. Suddenly, you’re not the person who’s got all the answers, but the one who creates an environment where others do—and you get all the bragging rights without burning the midnight oil.
Preparing for More Strategic Roles
If your goal is to climb into those higher echelons (and maybe finally enjoy a vacation that doesn’t include conference calls), this shift is critical. Companies don’t promote people who simply add to the pile; they promote people who create capacity for others to shine.
When you learn to delegate, develop your team, and foster independent thinking, you free yourself up to focus on the big-picture stuff—innovation, culture, growth, and being a part of the real conversations.
This transformation makes you exponentially more valuable. Instead of being the leader who’s perpetually knee-deep in day-to-day issues (and the occasional broken coffee machine), you become the strategic visionary steering the organization forward. You create a sustainable leadership pipeline, ensuring the business thrives even when you’re not saving the day at every turn. And let’s be honest—wouldn’t it be nice to actually go on a vacation without your phone buzzing like a needy ex?
Shifting your identity from “fixer” to “strategic leader” isn’t just about working smarter—it’s about positioning yourself for the kind of influence and impact that makes a lasting difference. Plus, it gives you the perfect excuse to finally stop pretending you enjoy troubleshooting every tiny issue. Embrace the change, and get ready to lead like a boss.
Need help with the shift? That's why I'm here.
Coaching at every level of the game: Emerging Leaders, Experienced Leaders, Executives.
Live and LeadWell,
~E
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