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Because of the work that I do, the experience that I have and the countless business leaders, CEOs, owners that I have talked to, I have heard and seen just about everything there is about why systems, and "consultants/coaches" don't work.

"We don’t need a system — we’re beyond that."
"Coaching? That’s for teams who don’t know what they’re doing."

"If I hire someone from the outside, they won't understand my business."

"We already have a system."

"They can't tell me anything I don't already know."

'Consultants are transactions for pay. They have no skin in the game."

It’s a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) dismissal of structure, guidance, and accountability. The belief that experience, intelligence, or past success somehow exempts a business—or its leaders—from needing a framework or an outside perspective.

Let’s call this what it is: a dangerous fallacy.

The Myth of "We’re Too Good for That"

Here’s the truth: Business Operating Systems (BOS) and executive coaching aren’t crutches for weak leaders or underperforming teams. They are force multipliers for ambitious organizations that want sustainable growth, alignment, and execution at scale.

Some of the most successful companies in the world run on operating systems—whether it’s EOS, BOS-UP, Scaling Up, or a tailored hybrid I have my favorite of course). Why? Because even the best leaders know that vision without structure is just wishful thinking, managing by hope, winging it.

And coaching? The elite—CEOs, founders, athletes, investors—they all have coaches. Not because they’re lacking talent, but because they understand the value of perspective, accountability, and continuous improvement. They recognized that vulnerability and checking their ego at the door are necessary shifts in mindset to position themselves for learning and growing.

Why This Mindset Holds Companies Back

When leaders believe they’re "too advanced" for systems or coaching, here’s what typically happens:

• Misalignment creeps in. Without a shared framework, teams interpret priorities differently.
• Decision fatigue increases. Every issue becomes a debate instead of following a clear process.
• Growth stalls. Scaling without structure is like building a skyscraper on sand.
• Leadership becomes isolated. Without a coach or advisor, leaders operate in an echo chamber.

It’s not about intelligence or capability—it’s about recognizing what Jocko Willink famously teaches — “Discipline equals freedom.” The right system doesn’t restrict your team; it liberates them to focus, execute, and grow.

The Best Leaders Lean In

The question isn’t “Do you need a system or a coach?” It’s “How much faster, aligned, and effective could you be with the right one?” If Bezos, Gates, and countless top-performing CEOs rely on frameworks and coaching, why would any of us think we’re the exception?

Final Thought

Rejecting operating systems or coaching isn’t a sign of sophistication—it’s often a blind spot disguised as confidence. The best leaders I know aren’t afraid to leverage every tool available to elevate their business, their people, and themselves.

I have a couple of coaches in my life, and I am proud of it. They simply have deeper expertise in certain areas of business, and they also provide fresh perspective and accountability to me because they CARE. It's how they are wired. Yes, there are crooks and lame books and classes not worth taking but not opening yourself up to a different perspective will limit your reach. Period.

And guess what...I am scaling in year 2 of my business because I practice what I preach. I am on BOS-UP powered by Ninety and it WORKS. If you're ready to challenge that mindset and explore how structure and strategic guidance can unlock your next level — let’s talk. What do you have to lose? After all, what's a failed quarter or two in the whole scheme of things? (Joking not joking - I have heard that!)

Vision guides. People build. Execution wins.