I want to step back, but my leadership team is hesitant to make big strategic decisions because they are waiting for me to override them like I used to. How do we rebuild trust on a leadership team that has developed PTSD from years of owner whiplash?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

If your leadership team is hesitant to make decisions because they are waiting for your approval, you are suffering from the legacy of owner whiplash. When you have a history of overriding decisions, your team learns that it is safer to wait for your permission than to take action.

To rebuild their confidence, you must establish clear boundaries and stick to them. Use your Accountability Chart to visually define where your authority ends and theirs begins. Once a seat is defined, you must completely stop making decisions that belong to that seat.

When a team member comes to you for a decision, redirect them. Ask them what they think the correct move is, and if their logic is sound, tell them to run with it. Do not give them the answer.

If they make a mistake, do not punish them or take back control. Use it as a coaching moment during an individual meeting or your Level 10 Meeting™. Show them that you trust their ability to solve problems. It takes consistent discipline to break this pattern, but it is the only way to build a self sustaining business.