RETIRE THE RESCUER
A rescuer is someone who draws a sense of self-worth from being the go-to person for others’ problems. Of course, we want to provide a friendly ear and wise counsel to those we care about in times of need, but that’s very different from assuming ownership of others’ problems and responsibilities.
It’s nice to feel needed, but playing the role of the rescuer is unsustainable. It almost always leads to resentment and frustration all around. When you take ownership of problems and responsibilities that belong to others, you do so at the expense of your most important priorities. You tell yourself that you’re helping, but more often than not, what you’re really doing is creating dependency in them, and exhausting yourself in the process.
In the end, you help no one. Besides, if you’re doing their job, then who is doing yours?
INSPIRATION FROM OTHERS
“If you want to do a few small things right, do them yourself. If you want to do great things and make a big impact, learn to delegate.” – John C. Maxwell
“Don’t pity the martyrs, they love the work.” – George Ade
QUESTIONS TO REFLECT ON
- Is having others dependent upon you an important part of your identity?
- What would you have time for if you eliminated upward delegation?
- How would your team learn and grow if you empowered them to do the work, rather than doing it for them?
If you’d like to receive future blogs, please subscribe here.