Grow Others Before Showing Expertise
Character Truth: Humble leaders focus on helping others grow instead of showing off their own skills.
“Arthur, I need your help; we’re already past the deadline!” Estelle pleaded over the phone.
As Arthur rushed to her office, he thought about letting Estelle handle the problem alone. He figured she might learn to ask for help in person when she needed it.
When Arthur saw her screen, he realised it wasn’t a big issue. He had written similar documents before and was tempted to just fix it for her.
Instead, he smiled and said, “We’ll be okay. Let’s fix this together.”
Estelle looked relieved and started to get up, but Arthur gently guided her back to her seat. “You type, I’ll talk.”
Arthur knew spending a little more time wouldn’t cause bigger problems.
For the next half hour, Arthur asked questions and showed Estelle the results of her choices. He stayed calm and supportive, helping her think through the logic and find the facts she needed. At the end, he asked her to read the whole document to ensure it made sense. When Estelle submitted it, the document was strong. Even better, she felt it was her work.
Taking time to help a coworker solve a problem, even under pressure, is worth it if they learn and take responsibility. If you just do it for them, they’ll expect your help again next time.
Next time someone struggles with a problem, help them learn to solve it on their own. Otherwise, you’ll end up rescuing them over and over.
Read a Character in Action story that shows this character truth in a real workplace situation.
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