The Two Words That Will Transform Your Leadership

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a leadership loop, with your team constantly coming to you for answers? It’s natural for them to seek your experience, especially when they trust you. But here’s the truth: always giving the answers can disempower your team. It stifles their growth, dampens their confidence, and ultimately limits your organization’s potential.

I recently worked with a leader facing this exact challenge. His team was competent, but they’d fallen into the habit of needing their leader’s final say on almost every decision. Questions like "What do you think we should do?" or "How would you handle this customer?" made the leader a bottleneck, and they knew it.

The insight for this leader was simple, yet profoundly transformative: "You Decide."

When a team member came up with a question, instead of giving a direct answer, the leader started responding with, "What do you think we should do?" or "How would you approach this?"

Initially, there was hesitation. Some team members looked bewildered, used to immediate solutions. But the leader held firm, offering support with probing questions: "What options have you considered?" "What are the potential pros and cons of each?" "What does your gut tell you?" Eventually, this turned into a trusting, “You decide.”

The shift was almost immediate. This simple phrase, "You Decide," became a powerful catalyst for empowerment. It inspired the team to think critically, analyze situations, and weigh consequences. They began to realize they already possessed much of the knowledge and capability needed to make sound judgments.

This, in turn, built immense trust. By demonstrating belief in their abilities, the leader showed the team that their judgment was valued. They weren't just executors; they were trusted contributors. When a leader trusts their team, that trust is reciprocated, creating a stronger, more cohesive unit.

And with empowerment and trust came an undeniable surge in confidence. As team members successfully navigated decisions and saw their choices lead to positive outcomes, their self-assurance soared. They stopped looking for permission and started taking initiative.

The ripple effects were tangible. Engaged, confident teams are inherently more productive. They move faster, solve problems more creatively, and take greater ownership of their work. This increased productivity, which directly impacted their customer experience, led to more satisfied clients and, inevitably, drove loyalty and sales.

So, the next time your team comes knocking with a question, pause. Resist the urge to provide the immediate solution. Instead, offer them the gift of empowerment with two powerful words: "You Decide."

Watch as their confidence blossoms, their engagement soars, and your entire organization transforms.