Leadership Advice Isn’t Wrong – But It Doesn’t Know You

I don't say the leadership advice is wrong.
But it doesn't know who and where you are.

I'm fully aware you're reading the books, listening to the podcasts, and scrolling LinkedIn (gotcha!). You even signed up for this new program. Great!

You do this because you want to be a great leader.

You love developing people, you're a good communicator. You have ideas, a vision, you get things done. Some say you could be less emotional / more strategic – pick your battles! – but overall you can feel where your journey is taking you.

“Delegate.” Yes.
“Know your why.” Sure.
“Be more present.” Alright.
“Give more feedback.” Certainly.
“Set clear boundaries.” Of course.
“Have clear expectations.” Absolutely.

Problem is: you're back-to-back in calls from 8am to 6pm, barely time to eat, your team members aren't as skilled as their roles demand, feedback flows – but mostly downstream, every decision needs three more sign-offs, – oh, a key customer just emailed – and being available at all times is what gets rewarded. Ah, and the audit is next week. How could I forget.

So, what was it? Being present, feedback, boundaries, expectations? In this meeting culture, hierarchy, sign-off chain, and always-on mentality?

How... – exactly?!

The advice sounds good but it doesn't know a) who and b) where you are.

In coaching, we consider both. Your individual perspective and the bigger picture: the culture you breathe every day, the structure you navigate, and the people you depend on.

Because to reach your goals you have three options:

Change how you show up.
Change the role, team, organization, or culture.
Change your role, team, organization, or culture.

(Read that again.)