A Proverb was referenced in church recently that I can’t stop thinking about.
(FYI: This essay has nothing to do with religion)

Proverbs 3:6 says, “Submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”

That last part sounds like something a good leader would prioritize, doesn’t it?

And yet, through the years I’ve worked with so many exasperated professionals who felt like their leaders were actively working against them.

What a terrible position from which to operate.

How different it is when a leader is focused on making sure their people have the fewest roadblocks, switchbacks, and impediments to progress.

Everything speeds up. Real progress can be made without wasting time jumping hurdles.

Don’t leave their “path” to chance, and certainly don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be.

Go ahead of them and use your proverbial machete to clear a path in the metaphorical jungle.

Block for them so they have a lane through which to run without being accosted.

Fill a few potholes so they can maximize their progress.

The point is this: as a leader you have the ability to introduce unnecessary chaos or to reduce friction for your people.

Use your influence to make it as easy as possible for them to do great work.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION: Consider the work in which your people are engaged and look for ways to “block” for them. If you don’t see anything you can immediately improve, ASK them if there are any obstacles you could help clear. REMEMBER: this is not about doing the work for them, it’s about creating friction-free environments in which they can do the work.