Empower, Don't Rescue: Fostering Team Independence

Dear Preethi, I've been given feedback that I tend to step in and rescue my team more often than necessary. I'm currently grappling with whether this approach is the best way to support them.

One of my clients Sandeep Kumar (not his real name), who is the Director of a tech company shared his goal for our conversation. Sandeep is an excellent leader, and his team respects and appreciates him for all the support he provides. However, Sandeep received feedback that he was being overprotective of his team, and they felt they needed his constant presence. Sandeep was aware of this challenge but was in a dilemma about when he should rescue and when he should not.

Why Rescuing Backfires

While rescuing might seem like a quick fix, it can have detrimental effects. Rescuing your team often stems from a natural inclination to help others. However, this well-intentioned act can rob your team members of valuable opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills and resilience. As a leader, it's essential to recognize when to step in and when to step back.

Here are some reasons why rescuing can backfire:

• Limits Growth: When you swoop in to solve problems, you deprive your team of valuable learning opportunities. They miss out on developing problem-solving skills and building resilience.
• Hinders Confidence: Constant rescuing implies a lack of trust in their abilities. Team members can start feeling less confident in themselves and their judgment.
• Breeds Dependence: If your team constantly relies on you for solutions, they won't develop their initiative and independence. This can lead to a team that's hesitant to take risks or tackle new challenges.

So, what's the alternative?

Empowerment! This means fostering an environment where your team feels supported and equipped to tackle challenges head-on.

The Power of Empowerment

"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." – Benjamin Franklin

Empowerment means fostering an environment where your team feels supported and equipped to tackle challenges head-on. By providing the right support and resources for your team to tackle challenges independently, you not only alleviate your stress but also create a more resilient and capable team.

The Art of Meaningful Help

Helping comes in many forms, but meaningful help is anchored in support rather than fixing. This approach encourages team members to tap into their resourcefulness, develop their solutions, and achieve their goals. By listening without judgment and allowing space for growth, you enable your team to become more self-reliant and innovative.

The Principle of Humble Inquiry

MIT professor Ed Schein's concept of "humble inquiry" offers a valuable framework for empowering your team. This approach involves:

• Showing sincere interest in the other person
• Conveying empathy for their situation
• Expressing a genuine desire to help
• Allowing them to talk for a minimum of 80% of the time

By practicing humble inquiry, you create an environment of trust and meaningful support, where team members feel valued and empowered.

How to Help

1. Listen Actively: Give your team the space to voice their thoughts and ideas without interruption. This fosters a sense of autonomy and confidence.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage critical thinking and problem-solving by asking questions that prompt reflection and exploration.
3. Provide Resources: Equip your team with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed while allowing them the freedom to apply these resources creatively.
4. Offer Encouragement: Recognize their efforts and celebrate their achievements, reinforcing their belief in their abilities.
5. Step Back When Needed: Resist the urge to intervene at every challenge. Trust your team's capabilities and allow them to navigate obstacles independently.

By shifting from rescuing to empowering, you not only enhance your team's resilience and create a culture of growth and innovation. Remember, meaningful help is about enabling others to discover their strength and potential.

"If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

As a leader, your coaching goal is to guide, support, and empower your team. By embracing the principles of humble inquiry and meaningful help, you can create an environment where your team thrives and grows. So, take a step back, trust in their abilities, and watch them flourish.

Seems Straightforward, Doesn't It? ?Easier?Said?Than?Done

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As an executive coach for tech leaders, I enjoy sharing leadership and career insights cultivated over years of experience from my cup of #PreethiAnubhavaChakra.

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