Try this leadership energy audit

My client, Julie (not her real name), was a recognized expert in her medical technology firm. She was one of the first employees and essential to building many of their core products. Over her 12-year career, her vast expertise helped her rise to the Vice President of Product Development. 

Perhaps one of Julie's best skills was her ability to respond to crisis with calmness. But Julie was facing a challenge that many high-achieving experts face, even when they climb as high as a Vice President level. Because she was so knowledgeable, competent and ready to jump in and answer questions, she didn't have time for the bigger picture planning and innovative product development that comes with a strategic, long-term focused mindset. 

This held her back from the most senior level of leadership and strategic influence her organization needed. Julie was frustrated, too. So much of her confidence was wrapped up in her identity as the fixer and being the first person the CEO called to answer complex product questions. She also second-guessed herself before speaking up in leadership meetings, not wanting to say something incorrect. Her silence did not create the perception that she was an influential leader, capable of compelling others toward a new vision. 

I get it, it feels good to give people answers, great advice, and swoop in and fix things. When we are young high achievers, this how we get top performance ratings, gold stars and bonuses. The drive toward task completion can be a huge distraction. However, as a former HR leader and now an executive coach, this is one of the most common reasons I see leaders 1) fail to inspire others 2) fail to achieve organizational initiatives 3) advance in the organization and 4) hit burnout.

This traps us in lower visibility roles and keeps us from advancing to the strategic, influential leaders we are meant to become.  So, it's time to take a look how our expertise could be turning into a liability and reflect on how we are spending our leadership energy.

PUT THIS IDEA INTO ACTION

In my coaching conversations with leaders, this mindset shift from “high achiever” to “influential leader” may be the hardest of all, not only because we are hard-wired to achieve, but also because we can feel guilty when we are no longer doing all the work. 

Conducting a leadership energy audit (graphic above) is a strategy to shed the "expert" identity, overcome guilt and set boundaries as a new leader. It can help break the trap by creating a cycle that fosters advancement. Making the shift to influential leader not only boosts your own potential, but the potential of the organization to achieve its most strategic and innovative goals.

First, it's important to notice where overdoing your expertise is no longer an asset, but a liability. Not only for yourself and your own desires to advance, but also so the organization can develop a back-up plan to complement your vast amount of knowledge.

Next, it can be helpful to gain clarity on where you are spending your time and energy. A leadership energy audit leads you to reflect on the following:

• How am I spending my time?

• How much time am I spending solving problems myself versus training others to solve problems?

• In addition, where am I spending my energy doing leadership activities – influencing, shaping priorities and delegating?

• What percentage of my time is spent in these activities?

• How much time should I be spending in these activities?

• What actions or adjustments need to be made to move closer to the leader I want to become?

TRY THIS NEXT: What's one area of your work where you can train someone else to be the expert? (Hint: Choose something that makes you feel drained or resentful, it's likely a clue that it's out of alignment for you anyhow.)

Kelli Thompson is a leadership & executive coach, award-winning speaker and author of Closing The Confidence Gap. She is on a mission to help women advance to the rooms where decisions are made. She offers executive coaching, leadership workshops and keynote speaking to lead with more clarity and confidence.