Executive vigilance: what is it, why is it a problem?
Many senior leaders spend more energy than they realise on what might be called executive vigilance - a constant internal monitoring system designed to prevent missteps, maintain credibility, and avoid negative judgement. It’s not dramatic. In fact, it often presents as calm, composed professionalism. But beneath the surface, there’s a persistent low- (or high-) level effort being expended: watching how one is perceived, adjusting language mid-sentence, anticipating potential objections before they’re raised.
To a degree, of course, that’s warranted. In high-stakes environments, it makes sense to manage risk not just in decisions, but in how you present. The problem arises when this mode of operating becomes habitual - when it shifts from being situationally useful to structurally embedded - unthinking.
What then gets crowded out is impact.
When so much attention is consumed by avoiding error or criticism, it becomes harder to focus on creating value, shaping direction, or sparking new thinking. Vigilance keeps you safe, but it rarely takes you - or those around you - somewhere new.
The shift away from executive vigilance doesn’t mean letting go of judgement or awareness. Rather, it means repurposing your attention. Instead of scanning for what could go wrong, redirect your attention toward what could be built, enabled, or improved. Your focus expands - from self-monitoring to system-shaping.
It’s not about relaxing into goblin mode comfort. It’s about stepping more fully into influence. This is often the inflection point in a leader’s development: when performance gives way to presence, and presence is directed toward meaningful contribution rather than constant calibration.
If this resonates, it may be time to ask where your energy is going and what might be possible if it were freed up for something bigger. I work with senior leaders who are navigating this very shift, and the impact can be both subtle and transformational.
Until next week, take care of yourself and others
Madeleine
I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.
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