Why You Keep Pushing Decisions Up
How escalation becomes the default under pressure
Track 2
Standards & Accountability
Session Overview
Escalation feels safe. When stakes rise, people push decisions upward to reduce personal risk. Leaders often reward this by accepting the escalation and making the decision themselves. Over time, escalation becomes the system. People stop deciding because waiting is safer than committing.
The Leadership Pattern This Session Interrupts
Under pressure, teams escalate to protect themselves. Leaders accept escalation because they want control. The system learns that ownership is optional if you escalate quickly enough.
The Behavior We Install
Require a recommendation before accepting any escalation and push the decision back when appropriate.
Why This Behavior Matters Under Pressure
Pressure rewards escalation in the short term. Long term, escalation destroys capability and clogs leadership bandwidth. Leaders who require thinking before escalation build teams that can decide under pressure.
The Session Experience
Leaders identify where escalation has become the default. We practice requiring recommendations and pushing decisions back with support but without rescue.
Session Outcomes
- Reduced unnecessary escalation
- Stronger decision-making at every level
- Leaders regain strategic capacity
- Teams take ownership of decisions
- Faster execution without approval bottlenecks
GDD Anchors
Ready to Install Leadership That Holds?
The Leadership Academy is designed for organizations serious about building leadership infrastructure that scales. Contact us to discuss how this system can work for your team.
Email: info@lowiszleadership.com