I knew it was all going to fall apart as soon as help arrived.

I’ll spare you about 3 paragraphs of scene setting and unnecessary context and get right to the point.

With the game on the line in the bottom of the 10th inning, the Yankees moved one of their outfielders to the infield to increase the likelihood of keeping a batted ball in the infield, their only chance to stave off defeat.

It was the best move in a nearly impossible situation, but I was immediately wary of all the ways adding an extra body to the infield could cause problems.

And sure enough, the game ended in disaster for the Yankees when two infielders collided while trying to field the ball.

This sequence reminded me of myriad times when I thought I was helping my team by interjecting myself into their workflow, only to find that I was actually making things worse.

So many leaders have the best of intentions, but end up complicating a complicated situation by insinuating themselves where they don’t belong.

There is another approach that works better.

Instead of “helping” your team by jumping in to save the day, just ask them if they need any help. Open the door for them to assign you a legitimately helpful task without imposing yourself on them. 

Is there anything I can take off your plate so you can focus on your highest level work? 

I’m here to help. Just point me in the right direction. 

This approach gives you the opportunity to take the heat off your team in a truly useful way, while also reinforcing that you trust them.

You’re not taking over and creating problems that didn’t already exist, you are affording them the opportunity to direct you and increasing the chances that your contributions will be helpful.

Give it a try the next time you feel compelled to be the hero and “fix” things. 

You just might realize a better outcome, and build trust along the way.

My free PDF, “The 5 Secrets of Impossibly Effective Teams,” will show you the simple leadership moves that help teams unlock their full potential and deliver outsized results, without burning out. Grab your copy now at geoffwelch.com/secrets