The Secret to Leading with Impact? Stop Spinning Plates

You know the feeling. Your to-do list keeps growing, your inbox won’t stop, and every day feels like a mad dash just to keep up. Leadership often feels like this constant balancing act—putting out fires, managing your team, and trying to hit those big goals all at once.

But here’s the truth: Leadership isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters most.

Why Doing It All Doesn’t Work

I recently worked with a leader who was facing this exact challenge. They were new to an executive role and trying to excel at everything—managing the day-to-day, leading their team, and contributing strategically at a higher level.

They told me, “I feel like I’m failing at everything.”

Sound familiar? They were stuck because they hadn’t identified what their role really required. They were spending precious time and energy on things that felt urgent but weren’t actually moving the needle. It was draining their confidence, their energy, and even their time with their family.

The Framework That Changed Everything

When we worked together, I introduced them to a simple framework I call Keep, Throw, or Delegate. It’s like that closet cleanout method where you decide what to keep, what to toss, and what to donate—but we applied it to their leadership priorities.

Here’s how it works:

1. Keep: Focus on the tasks and responsibilities that align with your unique strengths or your role. These are the things only you can do.

2. Throw: Identify what can be eliminated or put on hold. These are the things taking up space that don’t actually drive impact.

3. Delegate: Find tasks that can be handed off—either as part of someone else’s role or as a development opportunity for your team.

This framework gave them a roadmap to make decisions. We clarified what their organization needed most from them at this level and aligned their efforts toward those high-value priorities.

Discover how empowering your team can help you focus on strategic leadership.

The Results

Within weeks, they started to feel the shift. They were no longer drowning in tasks. They delegated effectively, let go of the noise, and reclaimed hours in their week.

The result? They were able to focus on what mattered most to the business while showing up more fully for their family. Their team also noticed the change—they saw someone who was calm, focused, and making a real impact.

And here’s the secret: It wasn’t about working harder. It was about focusing smarter.

Your Turn

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, try playing Keep, Throw, or Delegate with your own responsibilities:

• What’s on your plate that doesn’t really belong there?

• What can you focus on that only you can do?

• What can you hand off to someone else to free up your energy for what truly matters?

Leadership doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you focus on what matters most, you gain clarity, confidence, and the freedom to lead with purpose.

Looking for strategies to uncover your leadership edge and stand out? This guide can help.

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