Stop Saving Your Team

Hi Leaders,

Let’s start with a hard truth:
Every time you rescue a teammate, you rob them of a leadership lesson.

You think you’re helping.
But what you’re really saying is, “I don’t believe you can handle this.”

And here’s what makes it tricky…most leaders don’t step in because they don’t trust their team.

They step in because they don’t trust themselves to step back.

It feels like productivity.
But what it really is?
Control in disguise.

Over-Functioning Looks Like Leadership…Until It Doesn’t
Let’s take a page from pop culture.
Remember Logan Roy from Succession?

He had the power. The access. The authority.
But because he never let go, his kids never figured out how to lead.

That’s what happens when leaders over-function.
The team stops thinking.
They wait for your fix, your direction, your approval.
And then you wonder why you’re so tired—and no one’s stepping up.

It’s not a performance problem.
It’s a pattern of learned helplessness.

You’re Not Managing the Work…You’re Managing Emotion
Let’s name what’s really going on:

→ The discomfort of watching someone stumble.
→ The fear that their mistake will reflect on you.
→ The anxiety that if you don’t control it, it will fall apart.

But here’s the leadership truth:

Your job isn’t to eliminate risk.
It’s to build capability.

And capability only grows through stretch.
Through trial. Through failure. Through discomfort.

How to Stop Rescuing and Start Developing
Here’s your shift this week:

1. Recognize the Rescue Urge

Ask yourself: Am I solving this for them…or soothing something in me?

2. Reframe the Struggle as a Stretch

When someone hits friction, don’t assume they’re failing. Say:

“This is a stretch moment, not a stop moment.” Then coach through it—not around it.

3. Put the Problem Back in Their Hands

Use this script:

→ “I trust you to take the first swing at this. Let’s review together once you’ve mapped a few options.”

That’s support without sabotage.

4. Coach, Don’t Correct

Avoid the reflex to say, “Here’s how I’d do it.”
Instead ask:

“What approach are you considering?” Then reinforce their thinking, not your ego.

This Week’s Challenge: Lead With Courage, Not Control
The next time you feel the urge to jump in, pause.
Let the silence stretch. Let the discomfort sit.

Because every shortcut you take steals a lesson from your team.
And leadership isn’t about comfort…it’s about courage.

So stop saving your team.
Start believing in them.

You’ve got this,
Stephanie