073: Which Leadership Phase Are You In (Really)?

In this solo episode, Erik maps out the leadership lifecycle — from the moment you step into a new leadership role to the point where you’re building your replacement. It’s a powerful framework for self-awareness and strategic leadership, especially for those stuck in “Chief Problem Solver” mode. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, over-involved, or unsure of your next leadership move, this episode delivers the clarity you need.

❓ The Big Question

Why do so many capable leaders get stuck — and how do you break the cycle?

💡 Key Takeaways

• Your leadership lifecycle isn’t about age — it’s about stages.
• Most new leaders fall into the “prove it” trap and over-function.
• If your team depends on you for everything, you’re the bottleneck.
• The next level of leadership is earned by building trust, autonomy, and capacity in others.
• You can’t truly move on until you’ve built your replacement.

🧠 Concepts, Curves, and Frameworks

• The Leadership Lifecycle
   A 5-phase progression every effective leader must go through:
  1. The Mental Game – Overcoming doubt, imposter syndrome, and the “why me?” question.
  2. Digging the Hole – Becoming overly involved, solving all the problems, creating dependence.
  3. Filling the Hole – Unraveling unhelpful patterns, resetting expectations, shifting accountability.
  4. Solid Ground – Your team runs without you; you’ve built competence and trust.
  5. The Launch Pad – Visioning, scaling, and identifying your successor.
• Leadership as Influence Toward Advantage
   Not manipulation, not control — but helping others move forward, for their benefit.
• Replacing Yourself Is a Growth Strategy
   Promotions stall when companies don’t see a ready backfill. No replacement = no next role.

🔁 Real-Life Reflections

• Leaders often don’t realize they’re in the hole until they hit burnout or stagnation.
• Erik shares candidly how he once micromanaged deals and unintentionally limited a capable team.
• He also names the quiet pride and clarity that comes from recognizing you’re no longer in damage control.

🧰 Put This Into Practice

• ✏️ Reflect on which phase you’re in — honestly.
• 🧩 Identify where you've created dependencies and start shifting ownership back to your team.
• 🛠️ Use the phrase “Here’s what I did that made this harder for us — and here’s how I want to change it” to reset expectations.
• 🚀 Spot the transition point where damage control ends and strategic growth begins — don’t miss it.
• 🔍 Begin developing your replacement before you need to — not after.

🗣️ Favorite Quotes

“You don’t owe anyone an answer for why you got promoted — you didn’t make the hire.”

“The more you solve problems for your team, the more you’ll keep solving problems for your team.”

“If you’re still leading like you’re in damage control, you’re going to lose your best people.”

“Leadership isn’t about proving you belong — it’s about building trust and making others better.”

“The final step in leading well is creating your replacement. That’s how you earn your next leap.”