Early in our career, the rules are clear: do what is asked, execute accurately, and follow directions. This builds essential credibility. But eventually, the signal changes without anyone telling us. The question shifts from "Can you execute?" to "Can you decide?".

Key Takeaways

• The Credibility Foundation: Why meeting deadlines and delivering what you say is the "entry fee" for career growth.
• The Plateau Trap: How relying solely on execution can cause your career to plateau even if you are working harder than ever.
• The Judgment Signal: Recognizing the unspoken moment when your leaders start looking for your "human edge"—your ability to think, decide, and connect.

This episode is especially relevant if you:

• Feel capable but underutilized
• Are delivering consistently but not gaining momentum
• Or sense expectations changing without clear guidance

Execution is what you do when the path is already paved. Judgment is what you use to decide which path to take. If you’re feeling stalled, you might be over-indexing on 'doing' and under-indexing on 'deciding.

Take Action Today

Audit Your Edge: Take the Strategic Presence Career Edge Pulse Questionnaire to see if you might be perceived as a “Doer” or a “Thinker.”