PSA: Skipped the exec team check-in last quarter

Figured I'd save time. Let my directors handle it. Three key initiatives went completely sideways because nobody flagged the resource gaps. Anyone else let direct reports run solo and regret it?

2 comments

2 Comments

karenm491mo ago

Happened to me last year with a product launch. Trusted a director to flag a staffing shortfall and they just... didn't. Lost three weeks of runway before I caught it. Now I do a 15 minute check-in halfway through each quarter with each director, just to confirm they actually have the resources they need. It's not about micromanaging, it's about making sure nobody's too proud to ask for help before things blow up. Also helps to have them send a brief written status update the week before any big decision meeting.

iris_ellis1mo ago

Smart move. The written status update before big meetings is a lifesaver - it forces them to actually think through where they're at instead of winging it in the room. I'd add one thing though: don't just ask if they have what they need, ask what they'd do if a key person quit tomorrow. That question alone reveals whether they're running lean or actually have backup plans. Too many directors treat headcount like a flex and won't admit they're drowning until it's too late. Those mid-quarter checkins save so much grief compared to the quarterly review panic.