Are Your Team Members Second-Guessing Themselves?
Here's a Reality Check...
Ever walk into the office and notice your talented team hovering around your desk, or on Zoom seeking your blessing for decisions they could easily make themselves?
When every small move needs your green light, something's off – probably not their capabilities.
Truth is, your rockstar team has the skills. What they're lacking is the confidence to run with their ideas. Maybe they're playing it too safe, they fear failure and hesitate to experiment so they wait for your nod of approval before taking that next step.
Here's the kicker – sometimes leaders are part of the problem. With the best intentions, you jump into "help," not realizing you're actually micromanaging.
I've seen it countless times – the moment leaders share their thoughts in a meeting, the rich discussion suddenly stops. Why? Because your opinion just became the default answer.
Don't get me wrong – your role is vital. Clear those roadblocks, provide air cover, and resources, and ask those tough questions. But then? Take a step back.
Let your team spread their wings. Give them room to take calculated risks and experiment. That's how they'll grow into problem-solving powerhouses and achieve the outcomes.
Ready to Start Empowering Your Team? Here's Your Game Plan:
Crown Them the Experts:
- Set the stage, then hand over the mic. Trust them to deeply understand the customer problem, test ideas, mitigate risk, and gather real evidence to drive results. They're closer to the action than you are.
Champion Data-Driven Moves:
- Make it crystal clear – they don't need to wait for your permission when they've got solid data backing their decisions. Remind them that stumbles along the way produce learning and are part of innovation's DNA.
Step Back from the Debate Ring:
- Next time you see them in a heated discussion, fight that urge to jump in. Just observe. When they try to pull you in, remind them: "You're the ones in the trenches – what does your evidence tell you?"
Bounce Those Questions Back:
- Unless you're sitting on crucial information, try responding with: "What's your take on this? What data points are guiding your thinking?" If they insist on your view, make sure you're the last voice in the room.
Watch what happens when you truly empower your team – they'll blow past your expectations. Sure, this new hands-off approach might feel strange at first.
But here's what I've seen time and time again: as your team steps up, you'll finally have the headspace to tackle those big-picture challenges you've been putting off.
Give them the keys, and they won't just drive – they'll take you places you never imagined.
Written By: Pam Krengel