Leadership

Breaking Out of Autopilot: How "Going to Manual" Transforms Leadership for Executives

It's about unlearning the habits that once brought us success but now hold us back.

Leadership Topics

20 Oct 2024 — 6 min read

By adopting the "Going to Manual" approach, executives can break free from limiting habits, engage intentionally, and enhance their leadership impact. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦.

Success is not just about mastering technical skills or being a strategic thinker. It's about unlearning the habits that once brought us success but now hold us back. Many executives, despite their desire to grow, find themselves trapped in a cycle of stagnation, relying on behaviors that no longer serve them. This isn't due to a lack of ambition or insight—it's simply because the road to personal and professional growth requires something more than new strategies or skill sets. It demands a conscious shift in how we engage with our work, our teams, and ourselves. This shift is embodied in the concept of "Going to Manual" (GTM), a practical and powerful approach to leadership.

Executives often find themselves defaulting to "automatic mode," sticking to behaviors that have worked in the past but may no longer be effective in the present. They climb the ladder of success but plateau, relying on the same tools and routines that got them there. Growth stalls, and many remain unaware that their habits, once assets, have now become barriers. While their roles expand, their approach stays the same, leading to missed opportunities for further development.

So, how do you break out of this cycle? The key is learning to "go to manual"—deliberately shifting from automatic responses to mindful, intentional actions. GTM is not about abandoning what you've learned; it’s about recognizing when your default mode no longer serves you and consciously choosing to engage differently. The most effective leaders aren't those who know the most; they are the ones who adapt the most.

What Does "Going to Manual" Mean?

"Going to Manual" is a process that pushes executives to break free from habits and behaviors that have become ingrained over time. It’s about stepping out of autopilot mode and consciously re-engaging with the essentials of leadership. Think of a pilot preparing for takeoff. No matter how many hours they have logged in the sky, they always go through a pre-flight checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked. This checklist serves as a "forcing function," pulling them out of automatic mode and into focused awareness. In leadership, executives can create their own "manual mode" checklists to bring a fresh perspective to every situation.

A well-respected leadership expert once stated, "True growth isn't about what you know; it's about how you adapt." This idea of staying open to learning and evolution is a cornerstone of GTM. Executives who want to grow must first acknowledge that what got them to their current role won’t necessarily take them to the next level. It's this deliberate shift—stepping back, reflecting, and acting with intention—that allows leaders to truly thrive.

GTM Habit #1: Go Slow to Go Fast

The pressure to act quickly is constant in the world of high-level leadership. The ability to make fast decisions is often seen as a hallmark of success, but speed without clarity can lead to missteps. Many executives dive headfirst into problem-solving without fully understanding the scope of the issue, often leaving their teams scrambling to catch up. Going to manual in this context means slowing down to assess the situation before taking action.

By going slow, you allow yourself the space to engage key stakeholders from the start, ensuring alignment and preventing confusion later on. This approach enables leaders to make more informed decisions and execute faster once the groundwork has been laid. In the end, slowing down at the outset leads to faster, more effective outcomes—a principle that has been embraced by some of the most successful executives in the world.

GTM Habit #2: Mastering the Meeting Mindset

Meetings can be the bane of an executive's existence. They consume valuable time and often lead to more questions than answers. Yet, they remain essential for collaboration and decision-making. To ensure that meetings are productive, it's vital to approach them with the right mindset. Executives who "go to manual" before a meeting prepare thoroughly, jotting down key points or questions and touching base with relevant team members beforehand. They take a moment to reset and refocus between meetings to ensure they show up fully present for each discussion.

When you're in a meeting, being fully engaged is crucial. Leave distractions like phones and laptops aside and focus on the task at hand. By making a conscious effort to be present and engaged, you create a more productive environment where ideas can be exchanged openly, and progress can be made efficiently.

GTM Habit #3: Setting Context Before Content

One of the most powerful GTM habits is setting context before diving into content. It's a simple but often overlooked practice that ensures everyone in the room is on the same page. Too often, executives assume their team members or counterparts have the same understanding of a situation or issue, leading to misalignment and confusion. Starting with a brief overview of the context before delving into the details ensures that no one is left behind.

By consistently practicing this habit, you not only foster better communication within your team but also create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Setting context provides clarity, which in turn enhances productivity and decision-making.

Embracing "Going to Manual" for Long-Term Growth

Breaking out of autopilot mode isn't easy—it requires a commitment to self-awareness and adaptability. But for executives who want to continue growing, it's essential. By adopting the GTM habits of slowing down to go fast, mastering the meeting mindset, and setting context before diving into content, leaders can break free from default behaviors and engage with their teams and work in new, more effective ways.

Growth isn’t just about adding new tools to your leadership toolkit. It’s about refining how you use those tools and knowing when to switch modes. By embracing the "Going to Manual" approach, executives can enhance their leadership range, make better decisions, and continuously evolve in an ever-changing business landscape.

Leadership Topics