The 4 signs that you're an over-thinking manager

And what to do about it

Gooood morning team happy Tuesday, I’m on a train down to London this morning for a VERY exciting meeting and event later. Keep an eye on my IG stories 👀👀

But today let’s talk about OVERTHINKING. Eek. We’ve all been there...

We step into a new project or task as a manager, eager to make an impact. But weeks go by and we're still stuck in prep mode. Staring at the task on our todo list wondering where to start.

This “overthinking paralysis" is a momentum killer for us.

We're smart, we're ambitious, we want to get things right. And these traits are what makes us all so great, and why we're in leadership roles in the first place.

However, these same traits lead us into overthinking territory. 

Overthinking is dangerous because it can mask itself as productivity. It feels safe because we tell ourselves we're 'avoiding the risk of mistakes'. 

But it's preventing your growth.

Today, I want to break down the common signs of overthinking as a manager and provide some actionable steps we can use to break free. It’s time to move from thinking to doing, right now.

Because no team was ever led into greatness by a manager waiting for the “perfect” plan.

Action is required.

Let’s get started.

Quick heads up – something BIG is landing in your inbox tomorrow! It's your chance to join me LIVE and embark on the same leadership growth journey I've been on. Watch out for my email

Ok let's go:

The 4 signs that you're an over-thinker in management (and what to do about it)

• Sign 1: Reading too many non-fiction books (or listening to podcasts etc)

I was guilty of this one - I think I tricked myself into thinking, as I was listening to the podcast, it meant I was growing.

I soon realised that listening to 1 podcast, then creating space to put your learnings into action for a week,  will have 10x more impact than listening to a different podcast every morning. 

Drowning in books etc won’t make us a better leader if we're not applying the knowledge.

Action Step: Pick ONE book or article that relates to a challenge you're currently facing. Read only the section that addresses this issue and implement the advice this week. Don’t get lost in endless consumption - Focus on the application.

• Sign 2: Endless planning and procrastination

You're mapping out the perfect strategy for your team, but the plan never leaves your notebook. Maybe you’re building the “ideal” workflow in your head but haven’t actually discussed it with your team. This is common, but dangerous for momentum.

Action Step: Set a timer for 30 minutes.
Jot down your top 3 goals for your team. Choose the one that’s most actionable, and take a small, concrete step right away. It could be as simple as having a 1:1 meeting or updating your team on priorities. Start small, but start now.

• Sign 3: Over-Focusing on Tools and Systems

You’ve spent hours deciding between two project management tools but haven’t started using either. Or you’ve researched every team collaboration app, but haven’t rolled out any of them yet. Sound familiar?

Action Step: Grab a notebook or a whiteboard. Write down the 3 most important outcomes you want for your team this month. Then, without any tools or tech, focus on achieving one. Productivity doesn’t come from tools, it comes from action. The tool is just there to slot in.

• Sign 4: Waiting for the "Right Moment" to Lead

You're telling yourself that you'll start being a leader, addressing that difficult situation, canceling a meeting that isn't working, commanding better for your team, asking for your own payrise when [insert perfect moment] happens. But waiting for the perfect conditions means waiting forever.

Action Step: Choose one small step to take action on right now. Leadership doesn’t wait for perfect timing.

Every great manager has had to make imperfect decisions and take action. Planning has its place, but so does doing.

The key is finding the balance between thoughtful preparation and action.

Rule of thumb: For every hour you spend planning, spend two hours leading through action.

Progress, not busyness, is what ultimately drives success for your team.

Reply to this email and share what action you’re taking - I’d love to hear how you’re progressing (Note: I do read every email)

That’s it for this week.

Now close this email and go lead your team to progress.

Sending big love as always,

H

P.S. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your inbox tomorrow, I only do this twice a year, and it’s timeeee 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀