
Navigating the Future of Work : May-2025
How often as a leader have you spent countless hours in meetings, relaying information, making decisions, and coming up with solutions? All the while the team is also seemingly working and under stress. Have you wondered when you will be able to focus on the next breakthrough, the next evolution for the organization? As a leader, you will only be able to do that when you step back from just adding hours and making every possible decision for the teams. Imagine having more hours to learn, explore, and iterate!
How can you, as a leader, step back, create an environment where the team is empowered and you can focus on the growth of the organization?
For any leader, it is quite difficult to let go and trust the teams to do the job with the same tenacity as them. However, this is precisely why they have been hired to give you as a leader time and space to work on growing the team or organization. However, it is possible to make a shift.
Let’s see how,
Ask reflective questions
Typically, when someone approaches with a problem, the instinct is to gather the facts give a solution to them, and move on to the next task. But, take a pause, ask where the situation is originating from, who are the various stakeholders involved, and help identify the root problem. This will initially require more time from you, but in the long run will enable the team to think holistically like you.
Use 3 Why method
When investigating the source of any problem or challenge, encourage the team to investigate deeper by asking ‘why’ to every piece of information received. As a leader, you will also have to leverage this method to help arrive at the root cause.
Revisit the desired outcomes
Remind and keep reminding the team of the set desirable outcomes. Be the compass that will help them maintain direction and work towards the set goals instead of getting caught up in the circumstances and the problem itself.
Help them arrive at a solution
With your expertise and experience help the team identify the most viable way forward from the solutions you have encouraged them to come up with. Create a space where the team is able to take charge of solving the problem and turn to you for prioritization and final touches
Provide simple, crisp information
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
FROM THE WORLD OF SEMCO STYLE

More in the series
Navigating future of work – March 2025
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Navigating future of work – February 2025
Many leaders struggle with low ownership amongst their teams. This nudge letter shares some insights on the art and science behind building an ownership mindset
Navigating future of work – January 2025
Culture change starts with leaders. Here is how you can lead from the front and become catalysts that turn resistance into buy-in and achieve sustainable change