You’re a versatile and capable leader, someone who worked his or her way to the top. You have many strengths, and probably still relish your ability to solve challenging problems. It’s tempting to jump in, roll up your sleeves and help out.
But every time you do, the odds are pretty high you are ignoring one of the tasks that only you can do.
As a founder, CEO or president, you bear sole responsibility for certain functions. Only you, for example, can manage relationships with your board. Only you can represent your organization with investors or the media when a true crisis is underway. Depending on the nature of your business, it may be possible that only you can deliver certain news to your best customers or demonstrate how much your company values their business.
And—now for the big one—only you can formulate and implement a strategy that will guide your firm through a complicated marketplace for years to come.
Viewed in this light, it really doesn’t make sense for you to jump in and solve a problem that two or three other members of your team could solve, even if it might take them a bit longer.
So why do leaders often get diverted by tasks that they shouldn’t be doing?
The truth is that top leaders are often left with some pretty thorny challenges. For example, it’s much easier to say “manage our strategy” than to actually do it. I’ve known quite a few accomplished leaders who struggle with what it means to formulate an effective strategy.
Rather than avoiding the toughest challenges, it pays to get help. Look to other industries and other leaders to see how they have navigated the most difficult challenges. Call in experts. Test your possibilities.
It also pays to keep your own ego and preferences in check. It may be more rewarding—in the short run—to be the hero who rides into town and solves the high profile challenge, but doing this time after time won’t serve your legacy very well. What will bring you lasting success is to stick to the tasks that only you can handle. Keep the long view in mind, and devote your time, energy and mindshare to the things that matter most!