If you’re a senior leader, this isn’t just poor advice; it’s a missed opportunity. True leadership involves pausing to ask, “What are we hoping to achieve?” instead of simply reacting to every request.

Let me share an example: A few years ago, a CFO came to our session visibly distressed. They’d received a single-line email from their Chair: “Prepare a budget for the acquisition we’ve just made.” Already knee-deep in year-end responsibilities and facing tight deadlines, they barely had enough hours in the day as it was. Yet, they felt obligated to comply.

After posing a few curious questions, like “What’s the Chair hoping to achieve? How will this information be used?” it became clear they had zero context. A quick call to the Chair revealed that a rough ROI calculation was all that was needed. No detailed budget, no massive time investment – just a few targeted figures to satisfy the Board’s interest.

What feels obvious in writing doesn’t always feel that way in the moment – especially when a request comes from the top. So, next time you receive a task, pause and reflect: Do you want to be an order-taker, or do you want to create real impact? If it’s the latter, ensure you understand the bigger picture and desired outcome before deciding how to proceed.

Seeking context might feel uncomfortable or unwelcome at times, but it’s how you truly add value as a leader.