I love this blog entry by Scott Berkun and have tried to follow very similar principles in my own management style
A healthy, confident, well-adjusted manager knows their job is to do three things:
- Hire thoroughbreds, point them at the finish line, and get out of their way unless they ask for help
- Coach, teach, encourage and position ordinary horses to maximize their potential and approximate thoroughbreds in some of their work.
- Fire those who can never do the work needed without your constant involvement to make room for those who can.
It just seems so much easier when you have a strong team of direct reports that both respects the challenges in delivery and understands that you are there to help but shouldn’t need to be there to hold their hand.
It reminds me of another quote:
You can accomplish anything you want in life provided you don’t mind who gets the credit. [Harry S. Truman]
