When Everything’s a Priority, Nothing Is

In every organization, there’s a natural tension between individual success and team success. We want to be team players—but we also want to protect ourselves. That tension creates friction, especially when there are no systems or structures in place to align the two.

When everyone’s “pushing the pedal,” but there’s no control over what’s truly a priority, chaos takes over. Either everything is urgent, or nothing is.

We see this all the time in agencies—producers and teams trying to protect their priorities or what is in their lane without realizing that there are no lanes. It’s like driving in a country where road markings don’t exist: people weave in and out, inching forward just to stay ahead. The result? Confusion, wasted energy, and a lot of near misses.

The problem isn’t a lack of effort. It’s a lack of alignment.

Without clear systems to prioritize work, assign responsibilities, and communicate expectations, everyone is left guessing:

• Who’s supposed to do what?
• What comes first?
• How do we know when we’ve succeeded?

And when no one knows the answers, people default to self-preservation. Instead of asking “How can we help everyone grow?”, the question becomes “How can I make sure I’m not the one falling behind?”

That’s when silos form, energy leaks multiply, and growth slows down.

The Real Dilemma: Team Control vs. Shared Resources

A common struggle we see—especially with producers—is deciding whether to have their own dedicated team or share resources within a larger pool. Both approaches have their pros and cons:

Having Your Own Team

• Greater control and consistency
• Ability to build trust, rhythm, and structure
• Risk of losing key people and having limited depth

Working Within a Shared Pool

• Flexibility and access to more skills
• Easier to shift capacity when things change
• Lack of ownership and accountability
• Every project can feel like starting from scratch

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is to help people think about their thinking—to evaluate what aligns best with how they’re wired and what stage of growth they’re in.

Three Questions to Help You Decide What’s Right for You

1. Do I have the systems and structure to support growth or am I relying on speed and reaction?
2. Am I working in an environment where incentives are aligned from leadership down or am I constantly protecting my position?
3. Do I know who should be doing what—and is everyone in a seat that gives them energy rather than drains it?

These questions don’t have simple answers—but they create clarity. Because when people are aligned, empowered, and in the right seats, everyone can move faster together instead of fighting for space.

The Bottom Line

When systems don’t exist, people protect themselves instead of serving the team. When priorities aren’t clear, energy drains instead of compounding. And when incentives aren’t aligned, silos form instead of momentum.

The real solution isn’t more control—it’s more clarity.

Because when everyone knows their role, their lane, and how it connects to the bigger picture, that’s when sustainable growth begins.

Through our programs at ELEVATION180, your future becomes predictable. If you’re ready to maximize your energy, grow your business, and unlock your Bigger Future, reach out to us. We’d love to explore how we can help you avoid burnout and elevate your success.

ELEVATION180 is a transformational coaching and mentoring organization that elevates your performance to achieve freedom, lifelong sustainable results, and a bigger future. Discover more by visiting www.ELEVATION180.com.

For insurance sales producers and agencies our GROWTH180 programs help you to transform your future by growing their book of business year after year.

For businesses, teams, and leaders, our ELEVATE180 programs help you transform your future by understanding yourself and your team to maximize energy, capacity, and capability.