Psychology at Work | Career Success, Leadership, Communication Skills 97. “You’re Too in the Weeds”: Fix Perception When Leadership Says You’re Too Detailed
Apr 15, 2026
Reshmi, a program manager with roots in environmental engineering and sustainability, walks through how she shifted perception from overly tactical to strategically framed. She explains stopping over-preparation, steering executive conversations, using concise two-sentence framing, and tailoring messages to different leaders. Practical changes led to clearer meetings and better executive reception.
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Capable Program Manager Called Too In The Weeds
- Reshmi was highly capable but kept hearing she was "too in the weeds" while working directly with directors, VPs, and executives.
- Despite strong execution, repeated feedback pushed her to change how she communicated so leaders would see her as strategic.
Delegation Alone Won't Change Perception
- Delegating tasks alone doesn't fix a perception problem about being tactical.
- You can hand off execution but still drown meetings in data and be seen as tactical unless you change communication approach.
Target Messages To Executive Communication Styles
- Understand each executive's communication preference and tailor your message accordingly.
- Reshmi used the program's 'four C's' to identify a cheerleader who wants vision and another who wants bottom line up front.