The executive loop

The job of an executive follows a very simple algorithm: Figure out what needs to happen. Figure out how to make it happen. Make it happen. This is simple, but it's not easy. In fact, it’s so simple it seems dumb to lay it out. But it’s surprisingly … well, not something people take to automatically. Figure out what needs to happen When an executive enters a new situation, they have to situate themselves. I ask myself: “What does the situation require?” “What needs to happen?” “What am I here to do?” Sometimes it's obvious. Everyone knows what needs to be done, but for some reason it's not happening. That's surprisingly common! Other times, you may be given a direction. Sometimes you'll even be given a direction which is inappropriate or wrong somehow. But whatever the situation you're in, you need to understand what the future needs to look like. When it's ambiguous, here's what I often do: Stuff my calendar with conversations. Interview people. This is a skill. Learn as quickly as I…