Leadership: The Art of Stepping Back

May 9, 2023

Ever have one of those weeks where it feels like you’re swimming upstream? Everything seems harder than it should be? Here’s a truth bomb: Sometimes we, as leaders, are the ones making it harder. Shocking, right? But don’t worry, it’s a growth moment, not a gut punch.

Are You the Roadblock?

Leading a team isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about empowering your team to solve them. Here are some soul-searching questions:

  1. Have you set crystal-clear expectations?
  2. Did you, perhaps, change the goal mid-game?
  3. Do you allow your team to tackle problems in ways you wouldn’t have?
  4. Are you a perpetual “rescuer,” swooping in to solve everything?

If you answered ‘yes’ to that last one, it’s time to unclench those reins.

The Power of Stepping Back

In the business world, a hero complex can be a villain. Your killer problem-solving skills might have landed you the leadership role, but guess what? To elevate your team, you need to evolve too.

🎧 Dive deeper into this topic in Episode 37 of Managing Made Simple. I break down how to suppress your inner ‘fixer’—yes, even when it’s quicker to just do it yourself—and why it’s a game-changer for your team and business.

Open-Ended Questions for the Win

Instead of taking charge, encourage your team’s independent thinking. Ask:

  • Where are you getting stuck?
  • What else have you tried?
  • What has worked in the past?

These questions do wonders for empowering your team. They’ll realize they’re not just cogs in a machine; they’re the architects of their own solutions.

The Road to Clarity

Nervous about letting go? Start by setting laser-focused expectations. The clearer the goals, the better your team can chase them down.

📈 To ramp up your managerial prowess, sign up for the Thriving Team 20-Day Challenge at liagarvin.com/scorecard. You’ll get a checklist of 20 actions to elevate your game, not just this month but every month.

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Meet Lia Garvin

Lia Garvin, the “Team Whisperer,” transforms workplace dynamics through practical leadership strategies honed during her tenure at Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A 3x bestselling author and TEDx speaker, Lia breaks down complex management concepts into actionable frameworks that reduce overwhelm and improve team performance. Her bestselling book and top-ranked podcast The New Manager Playbook showcase her unique ability to make leadership accessible at all levels. Featured in Harvard Business Review, FastCompany, Wall Street Journal, and Fortune, Lia brings rare insight from both executive and ground-level perspectives, making her a sought-after consultant for organizations seeking tangible operational improvement and team excellence.

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