Bookends

“Our chief want in life is someone who shall make us do what we can.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The role of the leader is to do for the team what they can’t yet do for themselves.” – Ken Blanchard

Stop taking on the tension when a team member says they can’t do something. Make them do what they can. If they’re capable, keep the bar high. If they’re not yet capable then figure out the next baby step to increase their capability.

Emerson and Blanchard are good bookends for leaders (Thanks, Gu). Ask yourself where your team member falls on the spectrum, proceed accordingly. Regardless of the path, stop carrying the tension that isn’t yours to hold.