While there is the temptation to provide others that we support, guide, coach, or lead with the answers they need, how will this help them or us? If our immediate inclination is to tell them the solution or solve the problem for them, or at worst do it on their behalf, let’s guess what we may be doing next.
If we take the time to allow them to resolve the problem, we have let them recognize the issue and possibly even solve it independently. While you may have the answer, resist telling them if they cannot arrive at it themselves. Instead, tease the details from them. Give them thought-provoking questions, allowing them to see the problem from an alternate perspective.
If we can do this, we will likely find they will be able to find the solution themselves and will be able to solve for themselves in the future without your involvement.
