This statement may seem a little counterintuitive, but here is what I mean. If when you complete a job – it is done – complete – fine’ – and does not REQUIRE you to be around, people will always WANT you around. When you build a process that requires you (and only you) to maintain it or interpret it, those individuals using it will grow resentful of the dependency. Not at first, but eventually.
Leaders need to teach this principle to their people. Often leaders get involved in empire-building and developing dependence. STOP! Go the other direction: build independence, not dependence.
Leaders – don’t be the single point of failure. Allow your people to make decisions. This precept can be difficult, but if all decisions have to go through you, you are building dependence.
Leaders – don’t be scared of your people’s failure. When you enable your people, they will occasionally fail. You did when you started. Now is your opportunity to foster a safe environment. Innovation requires being on the edge. Failure should be expected.
We must foster this concept of “doing things once and done.” Sometimes doing things this way will make you feel your value is lessened and you are suddenly expendable in your eyes. But in everyone else’s eyes, you are invaluable.
Until next time!
Dr. Dave