Recently, I worked with an executive named Elijah in a large financial services company who was struggling with a common leadership dilemma: how much to be involved in the details. He was frustrated that his team wasn’t thinking as strategically as he wanted, often feeling compelled to step in and provide detailed direction himself. When I asked Elijah if he ever received feedback that he micromanaged, he acknowledged it but explained that people relied on him for specific guidance.

During our conversation, I introduced the concept of adjusting his focus based on the situation—what I call “leading at the right altitude.” Just as pilots vary their altitude depending on the conditions, leaders need to choose the right level of involvement for each context. I explained that, at 30,000 feet, he should focus on big-picture strategy, considering market trends and the long-term vision. At 20,000 feet, his role is to assess how different departments contribute to growth and profitability. The 10,000-foot level requires examining specific projects and initiatives, while the 5,000-foot ground level is where hands-on, day-to-day actions happen.

This framework resonated with him, as it provided a structured way to decide when to engage deeply and when to stay at a higher level. He committed to spending most of his time at the 20,000-30,000 foot levels, guiding the organization while empowering his team to manage their areas. He also set a personal goal: any time he dropped below 20,000 feet, he would openly communicate why he was addressing a specific detail and connect it to a larger, strategic issue.

For example, when he decided to interview a candidate three levels down because the role was crucial for succession planning, he explained this connection to the broader vision, which helped his team see how each detail fit into the bigger picture. 

Don’t let the fear of “micromanaging” keep you from managing. By thoughtfully adjusting his approach, he demonstrated strategic adaptability, allowing his team to take ownership while he focused on guiding them toward long-term success.