#69 - Leaning in, then leaning back out!
9 Jul 25
In today’s workplace, effective leadership is no longer about having all the answers or controlling every outcome. The best leaders know when to step back to give their team room to grow, and when to step in just enough to unblock them when they’re stuck.
Striking this balance isn’t easy, but it’s essential. Done well, it builds trust, deepens capability and accelerates progress without compromising autonomy.
Let’s explore what this leadership approach looks like, why it’s so powerful, and how to do it with intention.
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#69 - Leaning in, then leaning back out!
What?
Great leadership isn’t about micromanaging. It’s about creating space for ownership. Autonomy empowers individuals to take initiative, make decisions and grow through experience. But even the most capable team members hit dead ends. Even more so when navigating ambiguity, sensitive challenges or unfamiliar problems.
That’s where leadership steps in. Not to take over, but to provide the clarity, perspective, or support needed to unlock momentum. Then, crucially, to step back again returning ownership and reinforcing trust.
Why?
Autonomy fuels engagement, motivation and innovation. People are more committed to solutions they’ve had a hand in shaping. But when someone hits a roadblock and can’t move forward, leaving them to struggle alone can erode morale and stall progress.
Conversely, jumping in too soon (or too heavily) can undermine confidence and signal a lack of trust.
The magic lies in the balance: intervening just enough, just in time, and then retreating to let them lead again.
This approach doesn’t just solve problems, it develops problem solvers.
How?
What's the best way to practise this:
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Create clarity, then step back - Define what success looks like. Set parameters, but give people the autonomy to get there their way.
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Be available, not overbearing - Make it known that support is accessible. Encourage open communication without making people feel monitored.
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Step in with intent, not control - When someone’s stuck, step in as a thinking partner. Ask questions. Offer context. Unblock, but don’t bulldoze.
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Step out with confidence - Once the obstacle is removed, intentionally step back. Reaffirm their ownership and your trust in them.
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Debrief to build capability - Reflect together on what worked, what was learned, and what they might try next time. Help them grow through the challenge not just get past it.
And here;s a 'Don't do!'........
Don't sit back and let them struggle! That is dereliction of your role as a leader to help them grow.
In Summary
I hope that you enjoyed reading this newsletter and that it has given you food for thought.
Empowering your team doesn’t mean disappearing. It means creating the space for them to lead, while being ready to show up when it truly counts.
When you lean in at the right moments, you amplify their impact not overshadow it.
When you lean back out, you strengthen their confidence, competence and ownership.
Give them the wheel. Be the guide on the side not the driver.
Step in.
Step back.
Watch them thrive.
Have a great week!
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