From Awareness to Action: The 5-Step Framework to Reduce Executive Debt

Knowing you have Executive Debt is one thing. Knowing how to reduce it? That’s where leadership gets real.

In this final chapter, we move from diagnosis to execution. You’ll learn the five-step framework leaders can use to reduce Executive Debt across any organization—starting today.

1. Diagnose

Use the Executive Debt Scorecard to identify your biggest gaps. Focus on Cultural, Strategic, Operational, Talent, and Market-related debt.

Tip: Don’t do this alone. Get input from your leadership team for a full-spectrum view.

2. Prioritize

Not all debts are equally dangerous. Start with the ones that:

• Threaten current performance
• Block future growth
• Undermine leadership trust

Tip: Look for quick wins you can tackle fast, while planning for long-term shifts.

3. Engage

Bring your team into the conversation. Share the concept of Executive Debt. Discuss your findings. Make it safe to surface hidden issues.

Tip: Leaders go first. Model vulnerability and accountability.

4. Monitor

Use quarterly check-ins to assess progress. Revisit your scorecard. Keep the conversation alive.

Tip: Tie debt reduction to KPIs. If it matters, it should be measured.

5. Lead

Make this part of how you lead—not just a one-time initiative. Build Executive Debt awareness into onboarding, reviews, and planning cycles.

Tip: Use your own story to inspire others. Leaders who admit past missteps build future trust.

Why This Matters:

Executive Debt doesn’t fix itself. But with the right framework, any leadership team can reduce it, reverse its effects, and build a culture of clarity and courage.

At AspireSix, we guide executive teams through this transformation—step by step, without adding overwhelm.

Let’s build your custom Executive Debt reduction roadmap. Book a call with AspireSix.