The Modern Leader
Getting out of the way of your team allows them the creative freedom to improve how you operate.
Why it matters: As a leader you're fairly close to the day-to-day, but your team is closer. They're going to approach problem solving often in a different way that can make their everyday easier or at least feel like their thoughts are being considered.
How this benefits you and your team
- Trust and autonomy: When you step back, you're sending a powerful message of trust. This autonomy doesn't just boost morale; you're also boosting motivation and job satisfaction. Employees who feel trusted are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles.
- Fresh perspectives → innovation: Your team members bring diverse experiences and viewpoints to the table. By encouraging them to apply these perspectives, you're fostering an environment where innovative solutions can flourish. They may not all be great or applicable, but you're opening that door to fresh ideas.
- Ownership and accountability: Freedom breeds responsibility. When team members have the liberty to make decisions, they naturally develop a stronger sense of ownership over their work. This often translates to increased accountability and commitment to outcomes.
- Faster problem solving: Who better to solve a problem than those closest to it? Empowering your team to address issues as they arise can significantly reduce response times and improve overall efficiency.
- Cultivating continuous improvement: I talk often about creating a culture of continuous improvement. When employees feel empowered to suggest and implement changes, you're nurturing this culture. This mindset is crucial for long-term success and adaptability and keeps you agile (and honest).
Finding the right balance
While creative freedom is invaluable, it's important to maintain overall direction and cohesion:
- Clearly communicate the company's vision and objectives. Make sure what is being suggested still aligns with the broader company vision.
- Establish boundaries within which the team can freely operate. You'll get more out of your team when they know what their parameters are.
- Regular check-ins can help ensure everyone is aligned without stifling creativity. This should be with the team as a whole and 1:1.
Companies like Google, with its famous "20% time" policy, have shown the power of giving employees freedom to innovate. While not every idea will be a game-changer like Gmail or Google Domains (RIP), the culture of empowerment often leads to incremental improvements that add up to significant gains.
Get out of your team's way so you can magnify their potential and, by extension, your own leadership impact.