Ever been pooped on by a seagull?
You're minding your own business, maybe enjoying a nice walk on the beach or sitting outside with your lunch. Then BAM. White splat right on your shoulder. The seagull doesn't even slow down, just keeps flying like nothing happened.
Now you're stuck dealing with the mess while the bird is long gone.
That's exactly how one CEO's team felt every few weeks. Her team was deep into mapping out their new support process and evaluating tech solutions they'd been looking into for weeks.
Then the CEO swooped in.
"Why are we overcomplicating this? Let's just scrap the whole system and outsource it instead."
Our client wasn't intentionally trying to blow things up. But her team saw her as a "seagull leader" who'd disappear for weeks, then swoop in, sh#t on everything, and fly off again.
The Real Problem
Seagull leadership creates more than just rework. It drains emotional energy.
Teams feel whiplash when direction changes suddenly. They lose confidence when weeks of effort get dismissed without context. And they spend more time second-guessing than executing.
It looks like poor communication, but the real problem is disconnection.
The Solution
The way out isn't about doing more. It's about creating simplicity through routine.
First, focus on your core CEO responsibilities:
- Strategy & Culture - Set the vision and values. Keep the big picture aligned.
- Directing Capital - Money is fuel. Direct it where it creates the biggest bang for your buck.
- Selling - Tell the company story to clients, partners, and recruits.
Staying laser-focused on these three areas helps you make the biggest impact without getting distracted or distracting others. But focus alone isn't enough. You need predictable ways to stay connected.
Second, build predictable touchpoints. Weekly check-ins, monthly reviews, and quarterly planning sessions keep you connected without being disruptive.
Third, create alignment systems. Use frameworks like OKRs so everyone understands goals and progress. When objectives are clear, your input adds value instead of confusion.
Start each day asking: What are the 1-3 roadblocks preventing my team from winning today? Then clear those roadblocks, not everything else. Clear and consistent leadership is far more valuable than heroic interventions every time.
Where a Fractional COO Adds Value
Even with laser focus, you can't be everywhere. That's why smart CEOs partner with experienced operators (Fractional COOs) to ensure strong execution while they focus on the big picture stuff.
A good COO keeps the rhythm going and makes sure everyone stays on track without constant course corrections.
The Bottom Line
Seagull leadership isn't about bad intentions. It's what happens when you lose focus.
The antidote is clarity and routine: defined priorities, predictable engagement and clear communication. This transforms you from someone who swoops in and disrupts, to a leader who actually leads instead of just reacting.
