Your primary task as a leader is to build your team’s capabilities. The next time you’re tempted to solve a problem for a team member, stop yourself and turn it into a learning opportunity instead. Set clear expectations, communicate what they’re accountable for, and give them the tools they need to succeed.
When someone comes to you with a problem, ask questions, such as:
- What do you think is at the core of this issue?
- Have you thought about alternative approaches?
- What can we sacrifice without detracting from the overall value of the project?
Answering these questions can help your employee unlock their creativity and dig deeper within themselves, rather than relying on you to be the font of all wisdom. You’ll also learn something about their capacity and capability, while giving them the opportunity to grow.
Ultimately, your job is to build a team that can function without you. This is what will ultimately set you apart as a leader, not just a doer.
Harvard Business Review
