I have noticed a common theme that occurs when I am out of the main office; for the most part, they are able to figure things out on their own and they do a marvelous job at keeping the business running smoothly. However, I have found that when I come into the office, I am suddenly bombarded with questions concerning problems my employees would typically solve on their own.
In fact, I typically work at my private office or at a coffee shop, because I simply find myself getting more done when I am not surrounded by my employees. Nonetheless, I have recently implemented a new system that helps me get more work done when I am in the main office as well. When my employees come to me with a problem that I think they will be able to handle on their own, I simply ask them, “What would you do if I were not here?” They almost always come up with a solution that I find perfectly acceptable.
As a result of this practice, I have found my employees asking fewer questions when I am in the office. Additionally, they are more aware of what they are capable of without my help. This question shows that I trust them and their capabilities, and I hope that they are also beginning to more fully trust themselves. The truth is, most people know what they should do in most situations. They simply need to be empowered to do it.
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
