How a Leader Got Back 30% of Her Time & Executive Attention with My 3-Step Framework

"I believe there is a significant opportunity for me and my team to thrive and shine, but I’m overwhelmed and I’m not sure where to begin. How do I strategize?"

My client, Mary (name changed for privacy), shared those feelings with me. She was an aspiring VP at the time.

The answer? Focus.

The Value of Focus In Gaining The Right Attention

Mary was in my ELEVATED group coaching program (formerly Standout Career Accelerator), I walked her through my signature 3D framework (Ditch It, Delegate It, Do It) to help her shift from being weighed down in the weeds to showing up as a strategic leader in the company.

This guidance helped Mary free up 30% of her time in the first week alone. Mary gained the mental bandwidth to think strategically and align her efforts with company-wide objectives.

She realized that one of her top Gallup strengths, "Strategic," wasn't shining through because she was too bogged down with day-to-day tasks. Using the 3D framework, Mary created space to show up as the big-picture leader her organization needed. By the way, her manager noticed.

When you're stuck in the weeds, chances are you're seen primarily as a committed and diligent "worker bee" leader rather than standing out as the strategic leader you aim to be. This brand perception (what you're known for) can limit your opportunities for advancement and recognition at higher levels.

3 Steps to Strengthen Your Leadership Brand

The 3D Framework in Action

Cultivating a strong leadership brand is simpler than you may think. Here are three small but powerful ways to evaluate and approach your priorities. You will see a significant shift from being seen as the person who only gets things done. Instead, you will be viewed as a leader who thinks and acts strategically moving the organization toward innovation and long-term success.

• Ditch It – Does it still need to be done? Identify and eliminate standard reports, routine tasks, and meetings that no longer add value or require your expertise.
• Delegate It – Who is this a growth opportunity for or better suited for? Delegate tasks by considering the strengths and aspirations of your team members. Guide them clearly to ensure success.
• Do It – Does this require my expertise, develop me, or position me as a strategic leader in the organization? Focus on tasks that elevate your visibility and showcase your strategic thinking to influencers and senior leaders.

A Challenge: Put the 3D Framework to Work

When you speak with someone, prioritize sharing your excitement about a strategic outcome, lesson, or project that highlights your focus on impactful work. You might say, "The data project is a good challenge, and I'm excited about its value for benchmarking and informing growth strategy for the organization."

Give yourself a point each time you share your focus on high-impact outcomes. Aim for 10 points in the first week.

Reflection for You

Mary used the 3Ds and freed up 30% of her time to align her expertise with company objectives. That shift in behavior positioned her as a strategic leader poised for VP. Her team felt more valued, and so did she—her manager noticed the difference. And, yes, she made VP!

What's one area you will focus on today that would make your strategic value more visible to senior leaders?

Your Thoughts

I'd love to chat in the comments. Share how you would implement the 3D framework, ask questions about applying the steps, or offer what's worked for you in your career and leadership journey.

P.S. When you’re ready to elevate your leadership brand and achieve strategic visibility, the next cohort of my ELEVATED group coaching program starts on September 17th. Spaces are limited. To secure your spot today, start >>> here!

About the Author: Hi, I’m Valissa Pierrelouis, a leadership and personal brand coach specializing in helping mid-career women amplify their value, voice, and visibility to achieve executive roles and salary growth—without overworking. As the creator of the ELEVATED group coaching program, I guide women leaders in banking, payments, and fintech to transition from being perceived as diligent "worker bee" leaders to being recognized as strategic "big picture" thinkers poised for executive leadership.