Above vs. Below the Waterline: Smarter Leadership Decisions

Above the Waterline vs. Below the Waterline: Making Decisions That Keep the Ship Afloat

At Gore-Tex, there’s a rule I’ve always admired:
👉 If a decision won’t sink the ship, make it. If it could sink the ship, get others on board.

It’s deceptively simple, but it captures the essence of effective decision-making. The “ship” isn’t just the company—it’s your team, your resources, and your momentum. Above the waterline, you act decisively. Below the waterline, you call on the collective wisdom of your crew.

Above the Waterline: Confident, Independent Decisions

In EOS®, we teach something very similar with the GWC™ tool and clear seat accountability.

• If someone Gets it, Wants it, and has the Capacity (GWC) to do their role, they have the authority to make “above the waterline” decisions within their seat.
• These are choices that keep things moving forward without putting the entire organization at risk.

This empowers individuals, reduces bottlenecks, and builds trust across the leadership team.

Below the Waterline: Decisions That Require the Crew

But every team hits moments where a decision could impact more than just one seat.

These are “below the waterline” decisions—the ones you can’t solve alone. They carry more risk, often affect multiple departments, or require broader alignment.

That’s where Level 10 Meetings™ come in. L10s provide a structured forum to:

• Identify issues that could sink the ship.
• Discuss solutions with input from the whole crew.
• Solve together, creating agreements the team can stand behind.

Knowing the Difference

Here’s how I frame it for my team:

• An issue is any problem or opportunity you can’t address alone.
• If you can solve it independently (and it won’t sink the ship), act.
• If it could affect others or create bigger risk, bring it below deck into the L10.

This balance keeps the ship moving forward while avoiding unnecessary crashes.

The Leadership Takeaway

Gore-Tex’s rule is a brilliant reminder: empower people to act confidently where they can, and call in the team where it matters most.

With EOS, leaders don’t have to wonder where the line is drawn. GWC and L10 Meetings provide a clear framework for when to decide independently and when to align collectively.

The result? A crew that sails faster, avoids leaks, and keeps the ship afloat.

Ready to Strengthen Your Leadership Team?

Are your leaders confident about when to act alone and when to call in the team?

At Stitch Solutions, we help businesses implement EOS® so that decision-making is clear, confident, and collaborative. Learn more about EOS Implementation and how it can transform your leadership team.