A FIVE-MINUTE EXERCISE
Where the work actually returns.
Your team owns the work. But some of it keeps finding its way back to you. This quick exercise helps you identify where, why, and what it costs.
3–5 minutes · No forms · No sign-up
01 / RECALL
Think of the last three things that came back to you.
In the past seven days, what decisions, results, or responsibilities ended up back on your desk even though someone else already owned them?
FOR EXAMPLE
A department lead brought a decision back to you. A project stalled until you stepped in. A result required your follow-up to get finished.
02 / TRACE
Find the moment ownership stopped.
For each of your three examples, ask yourself:
Who already owned it?
Identify the role, not the person.
Where did it come back?
Was the standard unclear?
Did pressure increase?
Did the decision stall?
Did you step in?
How much of your time did it take?
Estimate the minutes or hours you spent taking the work back.
03 / IDENTIFY
Which one cost you the most?
Of the three examples, identify the role and the moment that required the most of your time. That’s your starting point.
YOUR TAKEAWAY
The seat that cost me the most hours this week is ________________ because ________________________.
THE NEXT STEP
People have more.
Build the power.
That decision or result returned to you at a specific point. Identifying where it happened gives you a clearer place to examine what prevented the work from continuing.
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The 90-Day Power Install starts with a seat like this, building the power for work to continue without constant leadership intervention.
