Working with Executives and Delegating Well

An executive leader who supports you should function similarly to a COO, taking primary responsibility for operational execution. Clear communication of priorities, expectations, and desired outcomes is essential. Many leaders find it helpful to articulate their top priorities each day, ensuring alignment and focus across the team.

At the same time, delegation has clear limits. While responsibilities and tasks can be assigned, a leader cannot delegate their presence, influence, or relational role. The team must consistently experience the leader’s care, vision, and personal investment. It is important to clearly define the responsibilities that only the senior leader can fulfill. These core functions often relate to culture, spiritual leadership, relational connection, and overall directional authority, and should never be fully handed off to others.