Why Does My CEO Bypass Me and Go Directly to Developers?

If you’ve ever asked yourself why your CEO or other leaders bypass you and go straight to developers to ask about timelines or delivery, it can be a tough pill to swallow. You might feel undermined or question your leadership. But here’s the truth: it’s a signal.

They do it because they don’t have the transparency and accountability they expect from you. When leaders can’t see the data they need or aren’t confident in the systems you’ve put in place, they naturally seek information elsewhere. This isn’t about politics or trust—it’s about visibility.

The Root Cause: Lack of Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are the bedrock of effective leadership, especially in technical roles. If leaders feel the need to go around you, it’s a sign they lack:

1. Clarity: They don’t know what’s happening, when things will be delivered, or what’s holding up progress.
2. Confidence: They can’t rely on the data to accurately reflect reality or guide decisions.
3. Consistency: They’re not getting the right updates at the right time, leaving them searching for answers.

Don’t Stop It—Solve It

The knee-jerk reaction might be to stop leaders from bypassing you, but that’s not the solution. Instead, focus on building systems and processes that eliminate the need for them to go elsewhere.

Here’s how you can address the issue:

1. Create a Transparent System

• Use tools and practices that provide clear, accessible data on progress, blockers, and timelines.
• Ensure reporting is structured, frequent, and easily digestible for non-technical stakeholders.

2. Foster Accountability

• Set clear expectations for timelines and deliverables, and follow through on them.
• Be honest about risks, challenges, and uncertainties to avoid surprises.

3. Be Proactive with Communication

• Anticipate the questions your CEO or leaders might have and answer them before they ask.
• Share updates in formats they prefer, whether it’s dashboards, reports, or regular check-ins.

4. Build Trust in Your Leadership

• Show that you are in control and aware of every aspect of your team’s work.
• Own both successes and setbacks, demonstrating accountability at every turn.

Why It’s Worth the Effort

When leaders have the transparency and accountability they need, they can rely on you as the single source of truth. This not only stops the need for direct questions to developers but also strengthens your credibility as a leader. It shows that you can manage the work and the people effectively, ensuring smooth communication across the organisation.

Closing Thoughts

If leaders are bypassing you, it’s not an attack on your authority—it’s feedback. Take it as an opportunity to step up, implement systems, and improve visibility. Once you’ve built that trust and clarity, you’ll find that they’ll come to you because they can, not because they have to. It’s that simple: they bypass you because they can’t see. Make it so they can.