40| Escape the Doer Trap: 3 Simple Shifts to Instantly Get Unstuck

Apply for the Nov 2025 (limited spots remaining) or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ Do you ever feel overwhelmed that you are responsible for doing too much?Maybe you’re frustrated that your team relies on you for answers instead of developing their own solutions.Or you’re disappointed that improvements fall apart as soon as you step away.The problem: You’re likely stuck in the Doer Trap—and it’s holding you (and your team) back from the results you want. The good news? There’s a way out.In this episode, I dive into three simple shifts that will instantly help you break free from the Doer Trap and into true transformational leadership.Your power and influence doesn’t come from doing it all.Whether you are an executive manager, internal change leader, or lean consultant, your ability to create lasting impact lies in knowing the outcomes you want and your role in getting there.Are you ready to break free from the Doer Trap and lead with real impact? YOU’LL LEARN:What the Doer Trap is—and why it’s so easy to fall into5 Doer Trap roles (and which ones you might be stuck in)3 simple shifts to instantly break free of the Doer Trap and make immediate impactHow to gain clarity on your role and step into true leadership by modeling the wayA simple way to frame a contracting conversation to clarify roles and expectationsIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/40Read my IndustryWeek Article "The Doer Trap: How Leaders Get Stuck and How to Break Free"Check out my website for resources and to learn more about my trusted advisor, coaching, and learning experiences KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonDownload my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst TIMSTAMPS:03:14 What the doer trap is—and why we fall into it04:55 Mode 1: The Hero – Not everything needs your rescue05:48 Mode 2: The Rescuer – Why you need to let others struggle06:52 Mode 3: The Magician – Doing it all behind the scenes07:43 Mode 4: Pair of Hands – When you default to doing09:53 3 simple shifts to break free from the trap10:06 Shift 1: Clarity – Know your role and who owns what14:14 Why so many operational leaders feel overwhelmed15:12 The power of a purposeful pause17:10 Shift 2: Contracting – Align on roles and expectations23:03 How to frame a clear contracting conversation27:58 Shift 3: Model the way and label your intent28:19 Two ways to reflect and invite real feedback31:49 A real-life example of how one leader found freedom33:42 Questions to reflect if you’re falling into one of the doer traps Apply for the Nov 2025 or May 2026 Japan Leadership Experiencehttps://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ 

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You’re a leader who knows that people are at the center of an exceptional organizational culture. You're excited to activate a culture of continuous learning – where everyone is capable, confident, and empowered to solve problems and innovate at all levels. This podcast is all about inspiring and equipping you to do that – through the power of learning and leading. Chain of Learning® is where the links of leadership and learning unite. Join your host, Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership consultant, award-winning author of “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”, and fellow learning enthusiast, for a journey that will help you master the skills to lead your organization from a traditional culture of “doing” into a vibrant, high-performing organization of continuous learning. Chain of Learning® is the trusted source for purpose-driven leaders and continuous improvement, lean, and agile practitioners seeking positive inspiration, innovative ideas, proven best practices, and actionable strategies to lead transformational change. Tune into each episode to gain the knowledge and skills you need to build a thriving people-centered learning culture, achieve needed business results, and expand your impact, so that you – and your team – can leave a lasting legacy. Subscribe and follow Chain of Learning® today so you never miss an episode! Share this podcast with your friends, fellow leaders, and colleagues, and let’s strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together. Podcast website: ChainOfLearning.com Katie Anderson’s website: KBJAnderson.com Connect with Katie Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson/ Read Katie's book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com