40| Escape the Doer Trap: 3 Simple Shifts to Instantly Get Unstuck

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement and Lean Change Leaders

Do you ever feel overwhelmed that you are responsible for doing too much?

Maybe you’re frustrated that your team relies on you for answers instead of developing their own solutions.

Or you’re disappointed that improvements fall apart as soon as you step away.

The problem: You’re likely stuck in the Doer Trap—and it’s holding you (and your team) back from the results you want.

The good news? There’s a way out.

In this episode, I dive into three simple shifts that will instantly help you break free from the Doer Trap and into true transformational leadership.

Your power and influence doesn’t come from doing it all.

Whether you are an executive manager, internal change leader, or lean consultant, your ability to create lasting impact lies in knowing the outcomes you want and your role in getting there.

Are you ready to break free from the Doer Trap and lead with real impact?

YOU’LL LEARN:

• What the Doer Trap is—and why it’s so easy to fall into
• 5 Doer Trap roles (and which ones you might be stuck in)
• 3 simple shifts to instantly break free of the Doer Trap and make immediate impact
• How to gain clarity on your role and step into true leadership by modeling the way
• A simple way to frame a contracting conversation to clarify roles and expectations

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/40
• Read my IndustryWeek Article "The Doer Trap: How Leaders Get Stuck and How to Break Free"
• Check out my website for resources and to learn more about my trusted advisor, coaching, and learning experiences KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst

TIMSTAMPS:
03:14 What the doer trap is—and why we fall into it

04:55 Mode 1: The Hero – Not everything needs your rescue

05:48 Mode 2: The Rescuer – Why you need to let others struggle

06:52 Mode 3: The Magician – Doing it all behind the scenes
07:43 Mode 4: Pair of Hands – When you default to doing

09:53 3 simple shifts to break free from the trap
10:06 Shift 1: Clarity – Know your role and who owns what
14:14 Why so many operational leaders feel overwhelmed
15:12 The power of a purposeful pause
17:10 Shift 2: Contracting – Align on roles and expectations

23:03 How to frame a clear contracting conversation
27:58 Shift 3: Model the way and label your intent
28:19 Two ways to reflect and invite real feedback
31:49 A real-life example of how one leader found freedom
33:42 Questions to reflect if you’re falling into one of the doer traps