I’m sure we’d all prefer the work get done if we simply ask. But somehow it rarely works out like that. Other priorities come into play. There isn’t clear alignment on what needs to get done.
The fact is, you’ve always got to keep your foot on the gas if there’s important work to be done and you can’t do it yourself. This sometimes translates to being the squeaky wheel—not needlessly pestering—but stepping in when work is stalled, and getting things moving again.
It’s convenient to think about your role as purely the architects designing a home, while leaving the building to the builders. But when construction isn’t going to plan, often you’re the best person to step in and right the ship.