355. When Being Exceptional Starts Holding You Back

Key Takeaways

• High-performing leaders struggle because they execute too well, not because they lack skill.
• The behaviors that made you successful as an individual contributor can sabotage you as a leader.
• Rewriting work, over-approving decisions, and giving answers trains teams to be dependent.
• Delegation problems are identity problems, not skill problems.
• Leadership impact comes from transforming people, not perfecting output.

Actionable Insights

• Stop fixing the work — start coaching the thinking behind it.
• Replace approval with decision boundaries and clear ownership.
• When you want to give an answer, ask a question instead.
• Notice where your identity is tied to being “the best” rather than building the best.
• Measure success by how others grow, not by how much you personally produce.

Leadership Challenge

• This week, let one imperfect piece of work ship without touching it.
• In your next meeting, withhold your opinion until everyone else has spoken.