A new direct report calls asking for assistance. I respond, “did you talk to him in person?”
Him: “No, but I’ve sent him multiple emails.”
Me: “Please see if you can resolve this by talking to him face to face. And ask your colleagues to help you out. If you still don’t’ come right, please let me know”
Three days ago, I told the team that my job is to enable and support them, which means they are empowered to solve their own problems. Come to me if they need help. But they must do the work first and exhaust all options before coming to the manager. Otherwise, how will they learn to deal with difficulties and complexities of the things to come?
Have you asked someone to help you before helping yourself first? Have you been asked the same thing?