Let me tell you about a conversation I had with a senior leader not too long ago.

We were sitting in a bright, glass-walled conference room overlooking the city skyline. The room was quiet, except for the hum of the air conditioning and the faint tapping of a pen against the table.

“I don’t get it,” he said, leaning forward, frustration written all over his face.

“I’ve done everything right. I’ve laid out the vision. I’ve communicated it clearly. But my team…

they’re just not getting it. They’re stuck in the weeds, and it feels like I’m pulling them along rather than them stepping up.”

I could feel his frustration—it’s something I hear often.

The Frustration of the Gap

Have you ever felt like this? You know where you want to go.

You’ve mapped out the path, you’ve shared the plan, and yet your team seems to be moving slower than you expected.

You don’t need someone to tell you how to lead—you’ve got that part down.

What you’re facing is something I call the leader-team gap.

It’s that disconnect where you’re operating at a higher level—thinking strategically, anticipating what’s ahead—but your team hasn’t caught up.

They’re still focused on today’s tasks and can’t see the bigger picture you’re trying to paint.

This gap can be incredibly frustrating. You’re ready to sail ahead, but the crew isn’t in sync with you yet.

Why This Gap Happens

Even great leaders experience this. It’s not about whether you’re doing enough—it’s about whether the team is ready to rise to the challenge.

Here’s what I often see:

1. Information Gaps

As a leader, you see the full picture—the vision, the risks, the rewards. But your team may only see fragments.

Without that clarity, they struggle to connect their tasks to the larger goal.

2. Mindset Gaps

While you’re thinking strategically, your team may still be stuck in a task-oriented mindset.

They’re focused on what’s immediately in front of them.

Shifting from executing tasks to thinking strategically takes time.

3. Engagement Gaps

Even if you’ve shared the vision, it doesn’t mean your team has bought into it.

True engagement happens when people feel they’re part of the process, not just passengers along for the ride.

Bridging the Gap

So how do you bridge this leader-team gap?

It starts with recognizing that leadership isn’t just about setting the direction—it’s about bringing people along.

Here’s what I coached that senior leader to do:

1. Clarify the Why

Don’t assume your team understands the purpose behind every task.

Take time to explain how their work connects to the bigger picture. When people understand the “why,” they’re more likely to take ownership.

2. Pace the Journey

Just because you can see the destination doesn’t mean the team can get there in one giant leap.

Break the journey into manageable steps. Celebrate small wins along the way. This helps build momentum.

3. Involve the Team in Navigation

Even if you’ve charted the course, involve your team in parts of the planning. Ask for their input. Let them take ownership of specific milestones.

When people feel involved, they’re more committed.

4. Coach for Growth

Sometimes the gap exists because the team isn’t yet equipped to perform at the level you need. Invest in their development.

Provide coaching and feedback. Help them build the skills to rise to the occasion.

The Breakthrough

A few weeks after our coaching session, that senior leader reached out to me again. This time, the frustration was gone. Instead, there was a sense of calm and confidence.

“It’s working,” he said.

“They’re starting to get it. It’s not perfect yet, but I can see them stepping up. And the best part? I feel less like I’m dragging them and more like we’re moving forward together.”

That’s the power of bridging the gap. It’s not about fixing your leadership—it’s about helping your team rise to your level.

When Leaders Say, “He Gets Me”

If you’re feeling this gap with your team, you’re not alone.

I work with leaders who are tired of getting below-the-line results despite leading at an above-the-line level.

My approach is simple: I help you bridge the gap by coaching your team to step up, align, and deliver at the level you know they can.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk. DM me.

Together, we can unlock the full potential of your team.

Florin