Executive Coaching: Is Your Personal Operating System Due for a Refresh?

We’ve all been there—that persistent notification urging us to update our devices. Ignore it, and risk sluggish performance or, worse, a system crash. But have you considered that your own leadership style might be in need of a similar upgrade? According to a November 2024 article in McKinsey Quarterly, it’s high time leaders hit the refresh button on their personal operating models. This is where executive coaching can help.

Table of Contents

The Four Drivers of Your Personal Operating Model

Think of your personal operating model as the framework that dictates how you work and lead. McKinsey identifies four key drivers:

Priorities: Are you clear on what truly matters, or are you juggling tasks and constantly putting out fires?
Roles: Are you focusing on the work that only you can do, or are you struggling with delegation and might be micromanaging your team?
Time: Is your calendar a reflection of your strategic goals, or just a chaotic game of Tetris? Are you in control of your calendar or is it the other way around?
Energy: Are you maintaining the stamina needed for effective leadership, or are you in danger of a burnout?

Assessing Your Priorities

One thing executive coaching can help you do is take stock of your priorities. First things first: understand your mandates. Dive deep into what your stakeholders expect from you. Are you aligned with their vision, or are you playing a guessing game? Clear priorities stem from clear understanding. Sometimes saying “no” is the most strategic move you can make.

Clarifying Your Roles

Once your priorities are set, define your role. Focus on tasks that require your unique expertise and delegate the rest. Empower your team; they’re there for a reason. And don’t forget to build a support network—mentors, peers. Diverse perspectives can be invaluable.

Managing Your Time

Time is your most precious resource. Set boundaries to protect it. Block out periods for deep work, strategic thinking, and even personal time. Establish a rhythm that aligns with your priorities.

And those endless meetings? Redesign them for maximum impact. As McKinsey notes, a staggering 61% of executives feel that at least half of their decision-making time is ineffective. Time to change it.

Optimizing Your Energy

Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize your health, nurture relationships, and connect with the purpose behind your work. Even CEOs need sleep. And don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh—humor can be a great energy booster.

Regular System Checks

Unlike your smartphone, you won’t get automatic reminders to update your personal operating model. Schedule regular self-assessments. Reflect on your effectiveness and be proactive about making adjustments. Consider enlisting an accountability partner to keep you on track. As McKinsey suggests, leaders who continually upgrade their personal operating model report being more productive and effective.

How Executive Coaching Can Help

Upgrading your personal operating model isn’t always easy—it requires self-awareness, strategic adjustments, and accountability. That’s where executive coaching comes in. A skilled coach acts as your guide, helping you clarify priorities, refine your leadership approach, and build sustainable habits. They provide objective feedback, challenge unproductive patterns, and keep you accountable for the changes you commit to. Think of a coach as your personal IT support for leadership—helping you debug bad habits, optimize your decision-making speed, and prevent system crashes (aka burnout). With the right coach, your upgrade won’t just be a temporary fix—it’ll be a game-changing transformation.

Final Thoughts

In the fast-paced world of leadership, staying static is not an option. Regularly updating your personal operating model ensures you remain effective and resilient. So, consider this your nudge to hit that refresh button. Your future self will thank you.