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Why 'being helpful' is sometimes the worst thing a leader can do
Research shows leaders who ask questions rather than give answers improve team problem-solving and autonomy, reducing dependency and enhancing learning, says ACT Leadership.
- ACT Leadership and Brown University School of Professional Studies recommend front-line leaders and managers pause to coach, shifting from solving problems, with guidance reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
- Many leaders advanced by solving problems and thus default to intervening, as pressured work environments and complex problems prompt front-line leaders to answer rather than involve others.
- When a problem appears, managers often step in and solve, which narrows opportunities for front-line leaders and managers; Michael Hutchins recommends coaching prompts and framing techniques as better alternatives.
- Short-Term fixes provide relief but create long-term dependency, as stepping in reduces motivation and learning; leaders who shape conditions help teams learn faster and take responsibility.
- A 2019 Harvard Business Review article found leaders who ask questions build stronger problem-solving, and leaders seeking to adopt small habit changes can reduce rescuing and promote empowerment.
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17 Articles
Helena Independent Record+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Why 'being helpful' is sometimes the worst thing a leader can do
ACT Leadership reports that being overly helpful can undermine team autonomy and performance; empowering others fosters better problem-solving.
·Helena, United States
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Total News Sources17
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
93% Center
C 93%
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