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you're a limited commodity with unlimited potential
I was talking to one of my buddies on his 55th birthday. We were reflecting on our 30-year friendship. We've shared a lot of life together. In our celebration, we also had a moment of sobriety. We discussed the dangers of dabbling in this season of our lives and work. We can put our hands on many things and have a long history of doing so. Yet, it may or may not be the best utilization of our time and talent.
I live and work full-heartedly. I enjoy challenges, being stretched, reaching summits, or crossing finish lines. Yet, I'm coming to terms with the fact that although I have great capacity, I'm still a limited commodity. There's only so much of me to go around.
If I can be honest, the same goes for you too.
In my coaching conversations, I often find executives adopting a 'utility player' approach - a term borrowed from sports, referring to a player who can handle various tasks and responsibilities. This versatility can be an asset, but it often comes at a significant cost to strategic leadership and personal well-being. The experiences of two executives I coach, Tom and David, illustrate the challenges many face in similar positions.
Tom, a CFO in a private equity-backed company, constantly juggles multiple roles. From handling complex financial matters to overseeing operations and even dealing with audits, his days are filled with putting out fires. “I’m a fire fighter” and "I'm like a wood chipper," Tom jokes. Just grab those scraps and drop them in, and it comes out the other side done." While seemingly productive, this reactive approach leaves little time for strategic thinking and long-term planning.
Similarly, David, an associate executive director at a statewide association, wears many hats—from lobbying and consulting to managing the organization's website and communications. He admits, "The amount of responsibility the executive team has is silly. It's crazy the stuff our team gets done." This breadth of responsibility, while impressive, often keeps David and his executive team trapped in a cycle of reactive management rather than proactive leadership.
The danger in this utility player approach lies in the imbalance between reactive and proactive work. Tom and David spend most of their time responding to immediate needs and crises, leaving little energy for forward-thinking leadership. This pattern can lead to several negative outcomes:
To break this cycle, executives need to consciously shift their focus from being the go-to problem solver to being strategic leaders. This might involve:
By acknowledging the challenges of the executive utility player role and actively striving to balance reactive and proactive work, leaders like Tom and David can significantly improve their effectiveness and guide their organizations toward sustainable success. This realization can bring a sense of relief, knowing there is a way out of the utility player trap and a path to more strategic leadership.
Coming Up in the Executive Insight Series
As an academic-practitioner, I'm lifting my head for own perspective. I've been heads down finising my PhD course work, writing a book, facilitating leadership trainings, and coaching a rotation of 30-40 leaders annually. From my diverse global coaching conversation I've identied themes, lessons, and practices from a collective of hundreds of hours of executive coaching this past year.
These conversations have inspired the Executive Insights Series. Next, we'll dive into "Getting perspective: First things first." This article will build on our ideas, focusing on how executives can prioritize their efforts and gain the clarity needed to lead strategically. We'll examine practical techniques for stepping back from the day-to-day grind, assessing what truly matters, and aligning actions with long-term goals. By putting first things first, leaders can break free from the reactive cycle and chart a course toward more impactful and fulfilling leadership. Stay tuned...
Start a Coaching Conversation
If you or your fellow team members are caught in the executive utility player trap, it's time to break free and reclaim your role as a strategic leader. Don't let another day pass drowning in reactive tasks at the expense of your long-term vision and personal well-being. Taking action to transition to a strategic leader can empower you and put you back in control of your leadership journey. Consider partnering with a coach, as their support can be the game-changer you need.
The journey from utility player to visionary leader isn't one you have to walk alone. Support is available in the form of coaching. If you know a coach, reach out today to start a conversation. This support can make your transition to a strategic leader less daunting and more manageable. Your future self will thank you for taking this crucial step.
Looking for a coach but need help figuring out where to start? My team and I are available for a limited time to help executives like you transform their approach to leadership. (See what I did there!)
Take action now to reclaim your time, refocus your energy, and reignite your passion for leadership. Your team, your organization, and your well-being will all benefit.
Remember, you're a limited commodity with unlimited potential. It's time to invest in yourself and your leadership journey. Reach out to a coach today and take the first step towards becoming the strategic leader you're meant to be.
Russell Verhey, PhD, PCC