No Bullsh!t Leadership What Do Senior Leadership Teams Actually Do?
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Feb 17, 2026 A clear look at what senior leadership teams actually do and why their meetings often miss the point. Six core SLT objectives are outlined alongside common dysfunctions that derail value creation. The episode explains the “two hats” leaders wear and what cultural norms support them. Practical tips are given for influencing the SLT from below or behaving effectively while on it.
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SLT’s Six Core Purposes
- A senior leadership team should do only work that cannot be done elsewhere and focus on six core objectives.
- These objectives include setting direction, whole-of-company targets, long-term value KPIs, resource trade-offs, tone/standards, and aligned messaging.
Self-Interest Is The Root Of Dysfunction
- SLT dysfunction usually stems from executives protecting their own patches and prioritising self-interest.
- This leads to status-update meetings, unresolved issues, upward delegation to the CEO, and political theatrics.
Cut Status Updates; Demand Clear Resolution
- Avoid status-update bloat by allowing reporting only by exception and limit discussion to one risk item per executive.
- Force resolution in the SLT by refusing to take issues offline without clear owners, deadlines, and parameters for return.
