Accountable for Results, Waiting on Permission—Now What? 🎯 - ⚡3 Minute Coach Fergie Knowledge Nugget

Squad, ever been told, "Own the outcome," then had every decision you needed to make kicked upstairs for approval? Your team wants answers, your boss wants results, and you're thinking, "How am I supposed to deliver when you won't let me make the call?" I'm blessed to coach a COO, chief operations officer, of a Fortune 100 company.

He works for a brutal CEO.

Boardroom politics, everyone's protecting their territory.

This guy's responsible for moving the business forward.

That's a tough place to lead, but here's where I want his focus.

What can you move today, and what decisions do you need from somebody else? Because frustration can eat up the energy you need for that conversation.

Three moves, squad.

First, connect the permission to the promise.

"Give me more authority" leaves too much open.

Get specific.

"To deliver by Friday, I need approval to move two people onto this project today.

Can I make that call?" Now there's something to answer.

Second, bring a recommendation and a trade-off.

"With those two people, Friday works.

With current staffing, Tuesday is realistic.

I would recommend moving them." Then pause.

Your boss may know something you don't.

Stay curious.

Hear them out.

But don't promise Friday with Tuesday's resources just because the room gets uncomfortable.

Third, confirm the decision and keep leading.

Send the short recap.

What was decided? Who owns the next move? What date are we working toward? If approval is still pending, say so.

Silence isn't a green light.

Then give your team clear direction.