Stop Solving Everyone’s Problems—Start Coaching Instead

It’s tempting to step in and fix everything, especially when you know the answer. But if you always solve problems, you’ll become the go-to firefighter—and your team will never build their own problem-solving skills.

Next time someone brings an issue to you, flip the script:
✔ What do you think is the best course of action?
✔ What have you tried so far?
✔ Has this happened before? What worked last time?
✔ If I weren’t here, what would you do?

Operations teams get hit with constant questions. But the best leaders coach their teams to think independently, rather than always giving answers. Encourage ownership, and you’ll free up your time while strengthening your team.