Almost every executive aspires to grow and expand their leadership capabilities. They fill their toolboxes with strategies and tune their “antenna” to sense when to use them. But if growth is the goal, why do so many executives fall short? What’s holding them back?
The intent to improve is admirable—who doesn’t want to be better, faster, and smarter? But continuous growth is incredibly challenging. We see some leaders show up as high flyers in one context, only to lose altitude in another. Others repeatedly switch companies for a “fresh start” but bring the same old tools. Then, there are those who begin their careers with a hunger for learning but plateau once they succeed, turning into “know-it-alls” who resist further growth. They enter a stage of executive stasis without even realizing it.
Despite the billions invested in executive development, many programs fall short of delivering lasting impact. Leaders leave week-long programs feeling inspired but fail to implement new ideas once they’re back in the daily grind. Even executive coaching can fall into this trap, acting more as a “therapy session” without tangible progress. For coaching to truly drive growth, it needs to go beyond conversation and delve into actionable steps. This means integrating deep business context and focused, practical guidance that equips leaders to make real changes. The most effective coaching transforms insights into outcomes, helping leaders build a toolkit that enhances their impact and supports sustained growth.
Over my career working with top executives, I’ve seen that real growth demands stepping out of our comfort zones and unlearning the habits that once served us well. Leaders need a way to intentionally break out of automatic patterns, engage fully, and show up as their best selves. That’s where the concept of “Going to Manual” (GTM) comes in—a powerful tool to help leaders navigate their growth journey with awareness and adaptability.
What is “Going to Manual”?
“Going to Manual” (GTM) is a concept that arose from observing leaders sticking to habits that no longer serve them. While this “automatic mode” can be good in some settings and downright bad in others, we often apply it as our default leadership style because it got us where we are today. So, how do we break out of “automatic”? We “go to manual” and force ourselves into a different mode.
The pilot’s checklist is an example of a “forcing function” that launches someone into a focused manual mode. A pilot may have 9,000+ hours of experience, yet each time they prepare for takeoff, the checklist forces them into manual mode, ensuring they don’t overlook critical details. While the stakes on the ground may not be as high, they’re still significant for leaders who aspire to reach their full potential. Just as pilots re-engage with the essentials before every flight, executives can benefit from developing their own “field guides” to escape default mode.
Using cues to trigger this shift to manual helps leaders enhance their effectiveness and better adapt to new challenges. GTM is about stepping out of autopilot and engaging intentionally with your growth. It offers a simple yet powerful way to stay sharp and approach situations with fresh eyes. By incorporating GTM habits into your daily leadership, you can reshape your default mode for the better.
GTM #1: Go Slow to Go Fast
Instead of immediately activating on an issue, consider “going slow to go fast.” Many executives jump into problem-solving mode, inadvertently getting too far ahead of their team—think of a general so far ahead of the troops that they start to look like the enemy. They start answering a question or solving a problem without actually thinking about it. Going to manual here means slowing down and assessing the situation before acting. By taking this moment, you can thoughtfully plan and engage your key people at the start, ensuring alignment. This approach clarifies your intentions and gives your team the space to join you on the journey, setting the stage for effective, cohesive action.
GTM #2: Mastering Meeting Mindset
Meetings occupy significant time and resources, but they usually leave something to be desired. Whether you’re coming from an incredible session or an incredibly challenging one, reset your mindset and prepare to show up fully engaged for what’s next. Going through the mental process of resetting helps get you into the correct mindset for the next meeting. Additionally, try to think about your leadership and participation in the meeting by focusing on the desired outcome and impact you want to achieve. Remember, your full engagement is critical to a successful meeting.
Preparation is essential here—take a few minutes before meetings to jot down notes or questions and check in with relevant stakeholders if needed. Now, when you enter the meeting, pull up your prep notes, psychologically reset, and bring the best version of yourself. Finally, remember to park your technology and engage in the meeting. Be present, don’t multitask. By committing to this process, you’ll add value and help ensure a more productive and meaningful exchange.
GTM #3: Creating Clarity with Context
One of the most impactful GTM habits is setting context before diving into content. All too often, we assume our counterparts are up to speed. We’ve all been there where we aren’t up to date on the topic at hand, but to ensure we don’t look “lost” or “unprepared,” we track with the person, sending all the right signals that “we get it”. Then, when the meeting is over, we do the “WTF” out in the hallway and start the process of figuring it out on our own.
To be the best in the people business, we should practice the GTM habit of starting every conversation with, “Let me set a couple of minutes of context before we begin.” This small act makes everyone better. It allows those who may have missed something to ask for clarity and increases alignment and productivity. By setting context, you help everyone start from the same page, paving the way for more efficient and effective discussions.
Once you consistently practice these GTM habits, they’ll eventually become your new “automatic.” You won’t just jump into action; you’ll go slow to go fast, prepare thoroughly, and set context, all of which enhance your leadership range and effectiveness. This approach helps you stay present, continuously expand your skills, and unlock your growth potential.