There are a lot of different descriptions of what a tool-kit really is, and it’s different for everyone.

Plumbers have a varied tool-kit to Electricians.  Teens will need a different tool-kit than toddlers for getting through the learning curve that is teen life.  Equally, leaders will benefit by understanding the tool-kits needed by their team members so they can do their jobs!

So what exactly makes up a tool-kit? It’s anything utilized by an employee to enable and enhance their ability to perform and exceed their expected role as an employee.  You wouldn’t ask a software developer to write code on paper – you’d provide him with a computer, the right software, the ability to properly test it and (very important tools) the support to take as many roadblocks out of their way in order for them to do the job.  That could include providing them with space to focus, limiting meetings and interruptions, fighting for the budgetary means to allow them to continue.  It also means getting out of their way!

Leaders forget sometimes they are no longer the hands-on specialist.  Often, they find themselves wanting to dig in and work with, rather than guide, employees.  We’ve been hearing from a number of our clients that sometimes all they want is time to get the job done.  Frustration over a manager who is keen to take part can provide the following impressions:

• The Leader is micromanaging
• The Leader is not confident in their employee’s abilities
• The Leader doesn’t trust the employee to do the job ‘right’.

Often the case is simply an enthusiasm and keen desire to be part of something they have left behind.

So what is today’s message?  Provide employees with what they need and then please get out of their way!  Offer them the chance to shine, to improve and to make a difference on the team.  We don’t suggest you abandon them, by any means; you are there to support and provide a tool-kit for them in order to enable them to shine.  Avoid hindering them!

Patti is a strategic advisor in Leadership, Customer Service and Small business. You can book her to speak at her Speakers Page.

Need Strategic Sense for your business? – hire us if you prefer to rise above the status-quo, care deeply about employee and customer experiences and truly believe in living and performing with excellence.