Lead from the Back
Think of the last time you felt truly empowered at work. I bet it wasn't when someone was hovering over your shoulder, dictating your every move. Leading from the back isn't about being passive or uninvolved. It's about being the wind in your team's sails rather than the captain barking orders.
I struggled with this concept early in my career. I thought being a leader meant having all the answers and directing traffic. But I quickly learned that approach stifled creativity and growth.
The turning point came when I was thrust into a project I knew little about. I had no choice but to trust my team's expertise. To my surprise, they flourished. Ideas flowed freely, problems were solved creatively, and the project exceeded expectations.
Leading from the back means clearing obstacles for your team. It's about asking "What do you need from me?" instead of "Here's what you should do." It's celebrating victories you orchestrated but didn't personally score.
Your role becomes that of a gardener: creating the right conditions for growth, then stepping back to let it happen. You're still essential, but in a way that empowers rather than overshadows. Next time you're tempted to jump in and take control, pause. Ask yourself: "How can I support my team in finding their own solution?" The results might surprise you.