As a young executive embarking on my career journey, the concept of “the execution team” seemed crystal clear. My primary focus was on my own responsibilities, and I operated with the belief that nobody else’s success hinged on my actions. Handing in my work to the bosses for review, absorbing their feedback, and gleaning wisdom from their experiences formed the cornerstone of my growth. However, a nagging question persisted: Why weren’t my bosses rolling up their sleeves and tackling certain tasks themselves when they clearly knew the ropes better? Secretly, I longed to walk in their shoes – to become the boss who deftly delegates, imparts knowledge, and never breaks a sweat, leaving the execution to others.
Oh, the daydreams that danced in my mind! I yearned to ascend the corporate ladder and become the ultimate BOSS! Picture it: confidently giving orders, sipping coffee, and imparting wisdom without lifting a finger – that’s what the execution team was for, right? But life had surprises in store for me. Fast forward a few years, and voilà! I found myself donning the boss’s hat! You’ve probably read countless comparisons between being a boss and being a leader, but here’s a twist: When was the last time someone declared, “I dream of being a leader!” Not quite the norm, right? More often than not, it’s the classic, “I’m destined to be the President! Grand office, fancy suit, and a team that idolises me.” Ah, the dreams we weave!
Now, let’s rewind to my early days as a General Manager. I thought like a BOSS, but I did my best to act like a leader – still on the path to becoming one. In this journey of constant growth, I learned that you keep evolving, and there’s no final destination – but that’s a story for another blog! So, instead of “I,” it was all about “we” (Yep, I’d also watched the “bu” viral videos!). My intentions were genuine, yet I soon realised the vastness of what I had yet to learn and explore. And that’s when it happened – my epiphany! I stumbled upon a true game-changer: the book “Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done” by the brilliant minds of Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan. In this literary gem, they recount the tale of a CEO who stumbled on a project despite having the crème de la crème of an execution team. Plot twist: Leaders are responsible for execution too!
Hold up, before you panic – we’re not suggesting you take over the execution team’s duties. Not at all! But let’s face it, you, my friend, hold the vision in your hands. Only you can envision the big picture. Sure, you’ve got an incredible team, but they won’t see it quite like you do. That’s where your superpowers come in – communicating project needs, dismantling blockers, and ensuring everyone’s in sync with the grand strategy.
Now, whether you’re the top-notch Managing Director, the savvy Account Manager, or the daring Department Head, it’s high time to bid farewell to the traditional boss mindset. We know you’ve got a zillion things on your plate, but hey, it’s all about priorities! Embrace your role as part of the execution team and watch the magic unfold!
Here’s the secret sauce: shift your mindset to view things as they are, not how they should be. When team plans land on your desk, resist the urge to brush them aside with an “I don’t have time to review this.” Instead, schedule a pow-wow to discuss the plan together or whip out some AI magic to streamline the process.
Are you ready to rock efficiency like a boss – ahem, I mean leader? Of course, you are! Embrace your critical role in the execution team, and watch the grand vision materialise before your eyes.
By adopting this mindset, you’ll lead the charge with a cohesive and victorious execution team, transforming the vision into a triumphant reality! So, go forth, unleash your leadership prowess, and let the adventure begin!
hategapam 