12/08/2026
A few years ago, I worked with a manager who was struggling to get the best from his team. The strange thing was that, on paper, everything looked fine. Targets were being met, turnover was low, there were no complaints, and the team seemed to be functioning well enough.
However, after spending some time with them, I noticed a pattern. Every time a team member came with a question or problem, the manager immediately provided the answer. He wasn't being controlling or dismissive, he genuinely wanted to help.
Unfortunately, he had fallen into the trap of believing that being a good manager meant solving every problem himself.
I asked him, "When was the last time you asked your team what they thought before giving your own answer?"
He paused for a moment and admitted he couldn't remember.
Over the following weeks, he started asking more questions and offering fewer solutions. Gradually, team members became more confident, took greater ownership and started bringing ideas rather than just problems.
It was a simple change, but a powerful reminder that great management isn't about having all the answers. Often, it's about creating the space for others to find them.
By giving all the answers and solving all the problems yourself, you end up carrying other people’s monkeys!
What's one lesson you've learned about managing people?
