The Bench

You can’t develop your team while you’re on the mound throwing every pitch. At some point, you step off the field and into the dugout. Prepare people. Set them up. Watch them play. Coach between innings.

Even if they give up a few runs. Because if they never throw, they never get better. And if they never get better, you never move.

The day your boss thinks “who would run this team?” and there’s an obvious answer — that’s the day your cage door opens.

Bring your strongest people to meetings they wouldn’t normally attend. Let them present work you’d normally present. Give them visibility. You’re not dumping work. You’re expanding their altitude.

Who on your team is closest to being ready for more?