Five Well Spent (Copy)

Welcome to our new newsletter: 

Five Well Spent
A five minute guide to finding your 25th hour

Each month, we'll share practical ideas, useful tools, or a perspective shift you can put to work immediately. Because sometimes the smallest change creates the biggest opening in your day. Let’s get started. 

The Reframe
Effective leadership isn't measured by how many answers you have. It's measured by how many people can operate successfully without you. Develop thinkers, not followers.

From the Field
A leader recently told me, "My team can't make decisions without me." After a few conversations, we discovered the opposite was true. The team could make decisions, they'd simply been conditioned to wait for permission.

The Unpopular Truth
Being available all the time isn't part of being in charge. It's often a sign that you've become the bottleneck.

One Question to Consider
What decision am I still making that someone else could own?

The Meeting Fix
“The Pause” - when someone asks a question in a meeting, wait ten seconds before responding. Someone else will often step in. And if nobody does, you'll know where development is needed.

Steal This
Try this delegation script: "Here's the outcome I'm looking for - _____. What approach would you take to get there?" Simple. Clear. Effective.

Time Back Challenge
For the next seven days, don't answer the first question that’s asked. Ask one instead. See what happens.

What Would Neal Do?
Q: How do I stop my team from bringing me every problem?

A: Stop answering immediately. Start asking: “What have you already considered?”

One question can save you dozens of future interruptions.

Your Homework
Identify one recurring question you receive from a co-worker. The next time it comes up, respond with: “ How would you handle it? I trust you.” Then listen. 

You might get your time back. You might also build a leader.