The Physical Therapist

A leader comes to me frustrated. "My team won't think for themselves. They bring me every problem."

So I ask: "When they bring you a problem, what do you do?"

"I help them solve it. I tell them what I'd do."

There it is. Every time you say "here's what I'd do," you're solving this problem AND guaranteeing they'll bring you the next one.

Think about physical therapy. The therapist doesn't do the exercises for you — even though it would be faster. The struggle IS the development.

Leadership development works the same way. When you hand someone the answer, you've stolen their rep.

Replace "here's what I'd do" with "what are you thinking?" Then be quiet.

One question builds dependence. The other builds capacity.

Which one are you asking?