My leadership team runs our daily operations flawlessly, but whenever a strategic decision regarding our long-term market positioning or exit planning comes up, they completely freeze and wait for me to make the call. How do I train them to take ownership of strategic decisions?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When your leadership team freezes on strategic decisions, it means they are still operating as tactical managers rather than true owners of their seats. This is a common issue when a founder is still lingering in the Integrator space or has not fully transitioned authority. To solve this, look to the Yes! to Strategy and Structure pillar of your Charter. You must establish a clear boundary between operational decision-making and strategic governance. If they have the operational capability, they must be taught to think strategically. The next time a strategic issue arises, do not provide the answer. Instead, put the issue on your Level 10 Meeting Issues List and assign a Rock to a specific leader to research and present three viable solutions. They must present these solutions using the IDS process, defending their recommendation based on your V/TO. By forcing them to do the critical thinking and present the solutions, you build their strategic capacity. Your role is to ask tough, incisive questions, not to do the work for them. Over time, they will build the confidence to make these high-level calls, proving to a potential buyer that the company does not rely on you.