Letting Others "Shine"

Imagine this: You are working on a project you’re passionate about, putting in all your creativity and effort. Suddenly, your supervisor or a teammate, thinking they’re “helping,” jumps in and starts changing things, turning the project into something that doesn’t feel like yours anymore. This scenario isn’t just frustrating—it’s disempowering.

Were you ever in this situation?

"This brings to mind a story from 19th-century art that still has relevance today. An artist named Berthe Morisot was working on a painting when her friend, another famous artist named édouard Manet, decided to step in. Seeing she was a little unsure about her work, he insisted on “helping.” He didn’t just make a minor tweak—he transformed it to the point where Morisot felt disconnected from her own art."

While this happened more than a century ago, it offers a powerful reminder for today’s leaders, managers, and colleagues: supporting others doesn’t mean taking over. Here are some takeaways from this story that can guide us in fostering true support, creativity, and independence in the workplace.

• Respect individuality and ownership: Everyone has his/her own style and vision, and each team member has unique strengths, approaches, and ideas. Rather than stepping in with "fixes," it would be great if we let others explore their creativity and problem-solving ability. Direct them if they are a little lost, but ensure you still provide them with their space.
• Act as a GUIDE and not a CONTROLLER
• Recognise when you are over-helping: Self-awareness in leadership is highly important. Sometimes, we may have the urge to jump in and fix things, particularly when we are well-versed in that area.

Often, this stems from our own needs rather than what a team or stakeholder is looking for. Not every project will look the way we want as managers. Diversity of thought often leads to richer, more innovative outcomes. Irrespective of your work type, if you have people from various backgrounds in that project, you may see a different and more creative idea popping up.

Just as great art often lies in subtlety, true leadership is about mastering the art of subtle support. It’s about helping others discover and showcase their best selves without drowning out their voices. So next time a team member seems uncertain, think of Berthe Morisot’s story. Remember that sometimes the best help is just a gentle nudge, a few words of encouragement, and—most importantly—a willingness to let them find their own way.

Embrace the value of staying hands-off, and watch as your team members grow, thrive, and, most importantly, feel valued for who they are.

What are your thoughts on this?