When to Solve Your Team’s Problems, and When to Let Them Sort It Out

Effective managers focus on solving problems themselves; they build teams that know how to solve problems. So you aren’t doing your job if your team is constantly bringing issues to you rather than addressing them themselves. Escalations should be aberrations that you accept rarely and thoughtfully. There are several questions you should ask yourself to make sure you’re not stepping in when you shouldn’t. For example, before asking, “How do we solve the problem?” pause and consider, “Who should own this problem?” Balance the need to solve the present issue with consideration for how the way it is solved will influence future behavior. And in your desire to be useful and responsive, you might be tempted to do more than you should. If others are struggling to solve problems they should rightfully own, always ask, “What is the least I can do?” Find the lowest level of initiative for yourself while requiring your team member to act at the highest level they are capable of.