“You know, I still get calls from my old team at my previous company, asking for advice. It feels good to know they still rely on the work I did.” AK leaned back in his chair, a proud smile on his face.
GK: “That’s interesting, AK. But, have you thought about why they still need to call you?” picked up his coffee and smiled.
AK: Raised eyebrows, “What do you mean? I figured it was because I did a good job and they just want my input.”
GK: “It’s great that they respect your experience, but if they’re still dependent on you after you’ve moved on, that’s a sign of something deeper.”
AK: Slightly puzzled, “Like what?”
GK: “It might mean the systems you put in place aren’t sustainable without you.”
AK: Blinked, “You think it’s a failure on my part?”
GK: “Not necessarily your failure alone. It suggests the company might not have created a strong enough system. When a project or team becomes too reliant on one person, then both the company and that person have missed the opportunity to create sustainability.”
AK: Beginning to understand, “So, you’re saying it’s not just about being needed, but about empowering the team to work independently?”
GK: Smiled, “Exactly. A great leader doesn’t just solve problems—they ensure & enable the team can solve problems without them. The goal should always be to leave behind a legacy of systems, capability, and empowerment, not dependency.”
AK: Leaned back, his proud expression shifting to thoughtful, “I hadn’t looked at it that way.”
GK: Smiled, “It happens. It’s not just about you doing the work—it’s about ensuring the work can continue, regardless of who’s there.”
AK: Sighed, realizing the impact, “Thanks, GK. Maybe it’s time for me to think about how I can create more scalable & sustainable teams.”
GK: “That’s the key, AK. You want to be remembered not just for what you did, but for how you enabled others to succeed.”
What are your experiences of building scalable teams or the challenges you’ve faced in creating independent, empowered teams?
#Strategy #Leadership #Team #TeamManagement #Work #ProgramManagement #ProjectManagement #Program #Project #TeamEmpowerment #SustainableLeadership #ScalableTeams #Workplace