Every time you solve a problem...

Every time you solve a problem, you’re eliminating the chance for someone else to learn.

It’s hard to watch one of your team make a mistake. Yet it’s the most valuable thing you can do to invest in them and the growth of your business.

The temptation is so strong to swing your way in and solve the problem if you see it going downhill, you worry about reputation and revenue. However, each time you do this, your team loses an opportunity to learn.

This breads a culture now whereby every time they have problem or concern, instead of trying to solve it through fear of getting it wrong, they come straight to you for the answer. 

This adds work to your plate and stops them from taking personal responsibility and solving the issue for themselves.

The long-term consequence of this is a disempowered team and a heavy workload on you. 

The more concerning aspect is not your workload, but the team. This disempowerment leads to a lack of fulfilment and frustration. A team member wants to feel that they contribute and that their actions have meaning. Once that feeling is stopped, they stop. They stop caring and start looking elsewhere.

To grow an effective, empowered and dedicated team, you must learn to let them fail.

When the failure occurs, do not thrash them! Instead use this as a learning opportunity and grow together.

The byproduct… a happy team, mutual growth, and less work on your plate.

Give it a go.

With love

Tom