People often say, "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link," pointing to what they think is the root of the problem. Technically, they’re right — that’s where the system is weak. But it's important to ask, why is it thinning in that spot?
For example, I spent over a year trying to heal an injury — medial epicondylitis, also known as wrestler's or golfer's elbow. I tried a ton of treatments and worked hard to strengthen the obvious "weak spot" — my forearm. But nothing worked.
One day, I stumbled across a rehab program where specialists explained that elbow tendons become vulnerable when the shoulder and back muscles are underdeveloped. The forearms end up bearing all the load and suffer as a result.
So, I began strengthening my back and shoulders, and within two or three months, I was healed.
The same thing happens in business. Imagine a CEO saying, “I’ve got a weak leadership team. We need a coach to make them stronger.” Going down that path is like throwing the company’s money away.
The weak spot isn’t in the team; it’s further upstream — in the CEO.
If the CEO's decisions are ineffective, the team strains to make up for them. Overtime and self-sacrifice for clients and colleagues become the norm. A breakdown is inevitable.
Instead of systemic business, there is local heroism.
Even if executives figure this out, there’s nothing they can do. All the reins are in the CEO’s hands. For real change, the leader must get tired of putting out fires, and hitting a glass ceiling.
The leader's mindset is the biggest obstacle to growth. But that’s good news because it’s the easiest limitation to remove. All it takes is the CEO's willingness to start any change with himself.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
How can I help you?
If you've long been trying to understand what is limiting you and/or your business and how to finally give important changes a push, then The Catalyst Session is designed specifically for you. Book it here.