Studies reveal a startling paradox: 82% of leaders believe they’re supporting their teams effectively, yet only 38% of employees feel genuinely supported. Moreover, this disconnect stems from what initially appears to be a positive leadership trait – what I call “the protection paradox” – the desire to protect teams from challenges. However, this well-intentioned shield ultimately becomes the very barrier that stifles growth and erodes trust.
As an executive leadership coach working alongside pioneering organizations, I’ve consistently observed how this protective instinct, while noble in intent, becomes the silent killer of team potential. Furthermore, the most damaging leadership mistakes often stem from the best intentions.
The Protection Paradox
When leaders shield their teams from challenges or difficult information, they inadvertently create a fragile environment. Consequently, this overprotection sends a clear message: “I don’t trust you to handle this.” Additionally, teams quickly sense this lack of trust, leading to decreased confidence and reduced initiative.
The Growth Guardian
While protecting your team might feel natural, true leadership involves creating resilience through controlled exposure to challenges. Therefore, instead of shielding your team, focus on preparing them. Subsequently, this approach builds both capability and confidence, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
The Trust Transaction
Every time you withhold information or shelter your team from challenges, you withdraw from the trust bank. Conversely, when you share openly and support them through difficulties, you make significant deposits. Furthermore, teams that face challenges together emerge stronger and more cohesive.
The Empowerment Edge
Success lies in shifting from protection to preparation. Hence, provide your team with the tools, context, and support they need to navigate challenges independently. As a result, they develop problem-solving skills and become more resilient.
The Leadership Legacy
Great leaders don’t create dependent teams; instead, they build capable ones. Thus, by releasing the protective instinct and embracing guided challenge, you cultivate a team that thrives in the face of adversity.
The greatest gift isn’t protection from challenges. It’s building the confidence and capability to overcome them. This shift from sheltering to empowering transforms team performance and potential.
Lead from Within: True leadership strength lies not in shielding your team from storms, but in teaching them how to navigate through them.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- Successful Teams Have Great Leaders Who Do These 4 Things
- 12 Tips for Leaders to Positively Influence Their Teams
- 7 Essential Leadership Skills for Leading Successful Teams
- How to Resolve Conflict Effectively with High Performing Teams
- The Most Important Skills for Building and Leading Effective Teams
- This is How Successful Leaders Build Great Teams That Last
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.