Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Why 'a great leader is a lazy leader'

Q. Our organization has grown, and now there are more people available to do the day-to-day work that managers used to have to deal with. But many managers still have a strong tendency to take on the tasks. How do we break the “I’ll take care of it” reflex?

A. Great question, and I’m smiling! One of my mentors told me over 20 years ago, “a great leader is a lazy leader.” That’s a pretty surprising yet memorable comment, isn’t it? It’s also powerful: A leader doesn’t do the tasks that can be delegated unless it’s a time when all hands need to work together to get the job done.

As people move from a more detailed and sometimes analytic role (like a salesperson or an engineer) into management and leadership, it means the mindset and the role of the person also must change.

Leaders need to think strategically, create and work ON the systems that the people work IN, anticipate and pursue opportunities, and develop the people. They delegate the work and create the environment where people contribute ideas and are self-motivated to contribute.