In a recent session, a client realised how much energy they were spending trying to fix everything for everyone.

They felt responsible for others’ frustrations, carried the emotional load of colleagues, and constantly stepped in to solve issues. It was exhausting and unsustainable.

We stepped back and asked:

• What’s actually in your control?
• Do they need a solution, or just someone to listen?
• Are you helping them grow, or just helping them cope?

We explored how over helping can unintentionally disempower others, and how learning to hold space, rather than jump in, can be a deeper act of leadership.

By shifting focus back to what was in their control, they reclaimed energy and clarity for their own goals.

Between this session and the next, they’ll be experimenting with modelling a healthier culture by:

• Noticing and appreciating what’s working and where they can highlight the good
• Setting clearer boundaries
• Empowering others to solve problems rather than stepping in automatically
• Leading by example, calmly, intentionally, and sustainably

Coaching Questions You Could Try:

• What am I actually responsible for here?
• Am I stepping in because it helps, or because it’s habit?
• What would support them to grow in this moment?

If you’re leading others, the goal isn’t to carry the whole load, it’s to help others grow strong enough to carry theirs.

That’s the Lean mindset of leadership.

When we jump in and fix everything, we might solve the task but we miss the chance to build capability. Respect in Lean means trusting and enabling others to solve problems themselves, not taking their problems off them.