You don't have to know the fix to direct the fix
"Action is the foundational key to all success." Pablo Picasso
I've seen many a leader reluctant to direct someone unless they knew how to do what had to be done. It is a feeling of guilt and incompetence which can stifle leadership. Indeed I've felt it but I've had the good fortune to watch other leaders, mostly Army Non-commissioned Officers - sergeants lead without knowing exactly how to do something. What I learned was that while they may not have known the specific steps and resources required to fix a problem, they knew enough to know there must be a fix. Stay with me.
Let's say my team had experienced a series of errors causing us to look foolish in front our customers. Frustrated, I could direct action without knowing exactly how to fix this problem. "Paul, this must stop. I want this fixed by Friday. Take the lead please and close out with me before we wrap up the week." I'm directing Paul here with little instructions. Of course I could add some intent but in this scenario I trust Paul. I've established a healthy climate at work and Paul and the others I lead know I have their back. I could provide him the why and let him find the what.
While I may not know how Paul will proceed, I have given this enough thought to know he can feasibly solve the problem by Friday, has or can obtain the resources he needs, and the intelligence to tackle the problem. I'm not acting rash or being unrealistic. I'm not throwing Paul into the deep end without some forethought. Yes, there might be a possibility that he will need more time, resources, or experience but he will find all of this on his own before approaching me.
Lastly, it is not my role to fix this problem. My position in the organization requires me to work on bigger things such as engaging with board members and steering the organization strategically, for example. Paul and the team need me to be decisive like this. They need this autonomy and challenge to learn and grow. I don't know the fix but I sure need to direct it.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell