Daily challenges and the work of a Leader
Many leaders think that handling the challenges that arise during the day is the job, the "work" of the position. I disagree. To me, the real work of the leader begins after the challenging opportunity has been solved. Extracting a lesson from whatever the challenge was, and formulating a way to teach that lesson so that the resulting improvement becomes a part of the fabric of the company is where the real work begins.
A competent staff of qualified people are the "handlers" of the daily challenges. What they need in a leader is someone who will help them realize the lessons that are taught by the things that challenge the status quo, take those lessons and improve the company's performance, product or overall experience. Seeing an opportunity to improve out of the chaos that often accompanies a challenge is the hallmark of a good leader. Simply handling the challenge is what we build good teams to do.
When the next challenging moment comes your way (and it will), find the lesson, teach the team, and help them implement strategies and solutions to make improvements. See this as the "work" you are called to do.
