Often, the right path forward isn’t clear. As your role gets bigger you become more responsible for setting your own direction. You choose what the right next steps are to deliver the right results. Sometimes there is risk associated with the next step. Don’t delay in taking action just because the next step isn’t perfectly clear.

I noticed when my job got bigger, I was having to define the priorities and plan for me and my team. It felt strange because in more junior roles, this sort of direction was handed to me. It felt to me like the organization leadership should have a more concrete plan for what they expected from me. I found myself retreating from taking action while I waited for more direction. I was worried about heading down a path that was different than the path my boss wanted.

I’ve come to realize that with seniority comes an increasing expectation to be self-directed. My boss didn’t spend time crafting a plan for me or my team. He expected that from me. If I didn’t take action, I found that I was even more blind to the right answer.

My predisposition was to study a problem in an attempt to “get it right.” In my previous roles in complicated systems development, these tactics worked. I found in executive roles, there was no independent analysis that would create a perfect plan. I needed to take action, test and validate my approach. I was experimenting and looking for feedback to refine what tactics would work.

I was also experimenting with what priorities met the expectations of the organization. I chose what projects or initiatives to spend my time on. Some months I focused on sales, other months I focused on a new product launch. If I wasn’t spending my time where the organization needed me, I would get feedback and adjust.

I recall distinctly having my boss say “I suggest you spend more time out with the sales team during this new product launch.” You can bet I adjusted where I spent my time. You will get subtle queues where you aren’t spending enough time or getting the right result. Listen to them.

Take action, monitor results and adjust as you go. Use an iterative approach. Don’t wait for direction or delay taking a step that can point you in the right direction.