Getting “out of the weeds” is probably one of the most coached subjects I have with executives. It is when a leader gets too involved with the details of their business when they should be letting their employees do it. It is so tempting to get in the weeds. Why not? We built our business in the weeds, didn’t we?
When an executive gets in the weeds it is typically because:
- They do not have strong leaders below them and they have to get in their business. This is acceptable.
- They have strong leaders they do not trust the outcome to be perfect without their involvement. This is not acceptable.
- They do not want or know how to let go of control.
Today, however, I wanted to discuss the total opposite. Leaders who need to get in the weeds!
If a leader intentionally stays out of the weeds when the conditions are not ready, then it can create more problems for teammates and can lead to poor service to clients. When is it appropriate for leaders to get in the weeds?
Inexperienced Team Members
If you team is new or has not yet mastered the standards you desire, then stay in the weeds with them. Make each moment with them a training moment. If you want out of the weeds, then get your team to master the skills better than you.
Client Disappointments
If clients suffer because you have exited the weeds too soon, then you may find your client exiting from your company. Clients are worth you being in the weeds. Do not downplay the importance of this.
Standards Declining
Hello! Get in the weeds! 🙂
Remember, even when you have earned the right to be out of the weeds, you are responsible for your team’s outcomes in service, production, and performance. Getting our of the weeds will enable you to take on more responsibilities. However, if your team falters then you are not ready to grow because you have not prepared your team to operate at the expected standard.
You cannot vacate the weeds until you mentor and teach others about weed management!
For executives, there are two types of extremes:
- Those who vacate the weeds too soon. They experience disappointment and then think that no one can do the job as well as them, ever!
- Those who never leave the weeds and get frustrated with doing it all. Over time, they will want out of the business because it dominates their life 24/7.The business never sees its full potential because it is a burden.
Leaving the weeds requires patience for others to learn, the intention to make a weed training plan, and trust that others can be as good as you so you can let go when it is time.
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