This is great advice. I’ve heard it refined to “bring the energy to be part of the solution” - which clarifies that one doesn’t have to have all the answers, but had better be willing to engage with solving whatever one complains about.
When I managed a team, my one big rule was to always have them try to offer something constructive to a problem, rather than them come tell me there was a problem and hope I fix it.
I would quote the Simpsons, “We’ve tried nothing and we’re out of ideas” (I never said this condescendingly)
Eventually they would come up with quick ideas and share them. And regardless if they were right or not, I would encourage them to go further and try out their idea without solving it for them. This built so much confidence in the team, they did amazing work.
Bringing the energy to be part of the solution (you don’t need to SOLVE it) really can bring a team together
This is great advice. I’ve heard it refined to “bring the energy to be part of the solution” - which clarifies that one doesn’t have to have all the answers, but had better be willing to engage with solving whatever one complains about.
When I managed a team, my one big rule was to always have them try to offer something constructive to a problem, rather than them come tell me there was a problem and hope I fix it.
I would quote the Simpsons, “We’ve tried nothing and we’re out of ideas” (I never said this condescendingly)
Eventually they would come up with quick ideas and share them. And regardless if they were right or not, I would encourage them to go further and try out their idea without solving it for them. This built so much confidence in the team, they did amazing work.
Bringing the energy to be part of the solution (you don’t need to SOLVE it) really can bring a team together