You use to analyze, question, and challenge ideas.  Looking back your fearless pursuit of the best thinking was what made you stand out.  The best idea did not have to be yours.  What mattered then was that a problem was understood, the team had relevant data to drive decisions, and the freedom to question assumptions.  From this environment the best thinking would emerge and amazing work would get done.

Incrementally your business has changed forcing out your old way of pressing for the best thoughts and actions.  Now business resembles a theater performance where the cast knows their lines and blocking.  The players already know the final act.  Their job is to give the company the show that they have paid for. 

A problem statement is followed with a round of soft discussion that indicates participation without sharing anything of substance.  Question too much and you will be going off script.   Do anything to disrupt the decision that has already been made and this could be your last performance.  Your directs reports are understudy’s just waiting for one misstep from you to take over your role.  Your job is to nail your lines, tackle only easy problems with easy solutions, and be sure to wrap each meeting with your signature phrase “who is going to follow up on that?”