I have been a member of REX Roundtables for nearly 10 years. We recently read the book “Lead More, Control Less: 8 Advanced Leadership Skills That Overturn Convention,” by Marvin Weisbord and Sandra Janoff.
Without going into great detail, I think the title speaks for itself. Being a leader involves letting go, which is something I have had to work on over the course of my career.
So how and when do you exactly “let go?”
Tip One: Hire Great People
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are. Realizing your limitations and what you don’t know is part of being a leader. Hand-pick the folks you want on your team, especially your managers. Trust you have hired the right team.
After you’ve hired a great team, support, guide, praise and challenge them, but let them do the jobs you acquired them for.
Tip Two: Set up Systems, and Manage Them
Set up systems, and manage and control the systems — not the people. By taking the time to create protocols, develop structure and train your team, you will be able to step aside and let your people perform. Giving them the tools necessary to do their job to the best of their ability will allow them to shine.
Tip Three: Get Out of the Day-to-Day
Work on the business, not in the business. If you have hired the right folks, set up systems and trained your team appropriately, then you should be able to let go and continue to work on growing the business, versus putting out fires and being involved in the day-to-day operations of the club.
Your team is relying on you to plan for the future and letting go of what happens daily is the only way you will be able to find the time you need to strategize and grow your business.
At the end of the day, the results will speak for themselves. The gratitude in sitting back and watching your team in action as they brainstorm, problem-solve and come up with ways to improve your club is the ending to a great adventure.
With this in mind, try letting go — and see what happens.
Paula Neubert is the president and general manager of Club Greenwood.
