💡 The Power of Stepping Back: How Great Leaders Build Independence

When you’re in a leadership role, it’s natural to want to solve problems, find the answers, and make sure things get done the right way.

But what if that instinct to ‘fix’ isn’t always the best approach? What if, in our eagerness to help, we’re unintentionally stifling growth, creativity, and ownership in our teams?

In this article, I’ll explore how stepping back, resisting the urge to swoop in, and empowering others to step up will create better outcomes, for you and your team.

👉 1. Solving Others’ Problems Stifles Independent Thinking

Let’s be honest. Sometimes it feels quicker and easier to solve things yourself, right? You save time, make sure it’s done right, and move on to the next task.

I get it, I’ve been there too. It can feel like the only option when you’re up against deadlines and juggling a million priorities.

But here’s the problem:

❌ When you constantly step in, you’re creating a dependency loop. 

❌ Your team learns to rely on you to fix things, and their confidence and problem-solving skills take a back seat. 

❌ Taking on all that responsibility can start to weigh on you. 

✅ You risk becoming overwhelmed and burned out, which not only impacts your performance but also your ability to lead effectively and that can have a ripple effect on your entire team.

👉 2. Being a Leader Doesn’t Mean You Always Have the Answers

Job titles like ‘Director’ and ‘Manager’ often come with the misconception that this means you have all the answers. Those in leadership positions reading this will know that isn’t always the case.

It's assumed that:

🤔 The higher your salary, the better answers/solutions you’ll have

🤔 Leaders will know exactly what to do all the time

🤔 The harder the problem to solve, the higher it needs to be raised (for example, to a CEO or Head of Department)

These assumptions are likely rooted from our childhood, when we would turn to our parents for wisdom and answers.

We need to work towards shifting these assumptions and understand that leaders are not here to tell us what to do and when to do it, but rather to support, encourage, and guide us when situations become uncertain.

👉 3. Your Team Doesn’t Need ‘Rescuing’ from Situations. They Need You to Empower Them to Face Challenges Head-On

Have you ever heard of the Drama and Empowerment Triangles? They’re an alternative way of viewing problem-solving as a leader.

❌ The Drama Triangle sees team members as victims who have a problem they can’t solve, needing someone to step in, protect them, and take control.

✅ The Empowerment Triangle recognises that we hire people because of their expertise and experience in the role. It assumes they are more than capable of facing these challenges and finding a solution.

As leaders, we should be taking on the role of coach to encourage learning and growth within our teams, rather than rescuer who takes control and fixes the problem.

There might be times that your team don’t have the skills or knowledge to tackle a particular problem. But that’s okay.

Instead of taking it on yourself, try looking at it as an opportunity:

✅ Acknowledge the need for more mentoring or upskilling in that area.

✅ Work through a solution with them and make a plan, so they’re better prepared if a similar situation comes up in the future.

👉 The Solution? Situational Leadership

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about meeting your team where they are.

✅ Achieving results is always going to be a top priority. That’s a given.

✅ But as a leader, you also need to recognise that growth and learning are part of the journey.

There’s a key line in this piece that really sticks with me, and I wonder if it does for you too:

“We need to work towards shifting these assumptions and understand that leaders are not here to tell us what to do and when to do it, but rather support, encourage and guide us when situations become uncertain.”

By tailoring your leadership style to the individual challenges your team faces, you can empower them to develop the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.