As a manager in the business of manufacturing, it is not easy to be patient. It is hard not to respond immediately to a problem or make a decision for a team member. When observing an operation and witnessing a problem in the making, managers have a tendency to swoop in and solve the issue. Managers often are great doers, but leaders are patient tacticians. Leaders listen effectively, observe the environment, and ask power questions like...
1. What is the biggest challenge you are facing today?
2. What is the number one resource you need to be more effective?
While managers are great doers, leaders let able bodied, well intended teams "do", while leaders concentrate on preventing a problem in the making. Managers who are also leaders resist the urge to swoop in. Leaders enable the team to develop the situation. If the team has been trained, prepared, and taught well, expect each member of the team to do well. Managers as leaders should want to grow leaders, not followers. Tactical patience creates conditions for teams and leaders of teams to grow.
