The Silent Saboteur: Why a Lack of Leadership Oversight Is Sinking Your Ship
As a consultant specializing in organizational transition and change, I start with the fundamental elements of an organization, dissecting companies from the ground up. And more often than not, our deep dives lead us straight to the organizational structure. Once there, one of the very first questions I ask is: What are your leaders actually doing?
This question becomes especially critical when I hear the familiar refrains of frustration, a palpable lack of accountability, and widespread confusion about responsibilities. When team members are looking over the fence, convinced others aren't pulling their weight, feeling overwhelmed, and observing an ever-widening chasm between and amongst executive leadership and individual contributors, it's a red flag.
And you know what I consistently find? A significant lack of—or sometimes absolutely no—leadership oversight.
Instead of guiding the ship, leaders are mired in tasks, constantly cleaning up the same mistakes, and reacting to problems rather than preventing them. It’s a vicious cycle that drains energy, erodes trust, and ultimately stifles progress.
Here's the hard truth, everyone: Leadership oversight is a full-time job. It's not a "nice-to-have" or something you squeeze in when you have a spare moment. It’s the bedrock upon which high-performing, resilient teams are built.
What does true leadership oversight entail? It's about:
Setting the Vision: Clearly articulating where the team is going and why.
Defining Responsibilities: Ensuring everyone, including leaders themselves, understands their role and how it contributes to the larger goals.
Active Engagement: This isn't micromanagement; it's consistent, proactive involvement to ensure objectives are being met and challenges are being addressed. This includes:
Monthly Reviews: Regular check-ins with direct reports to assess progress against objectives and targets.
Weekly Check-ins: Ensuring corrective actions for gaps are being executed effectively.
Root Cause Analysis + Resolution: Proactively addressing issues to prevent recurrence, rather than repeatedly putting out the same fires.
Resource Allocation: Ensuring your team has the tools, information, and support they need to succeed.
Obstacle Elimination: Clearing roadblocks so your team can focus on their work.
"Gemba Walks": Getting out of the office and observing operations firsthand to understand processes and identify areas for improvement.
When leaders step up to this critical responsibility, the entire organization benefits. Accountability clarifies, frustrations diminish, and teams can finally pull in the same direction. Without it, even the most talented individuals will struggle to achieve their full potential, and the organization will remain stuck in a cycle of reactive firefighting.
Is your organization truly prioritizing leadership oversight?
