Leave room for others to rise

Career · Little Light original

When you finally have a voice in the room, notice who still struggles to be heard. Remember the person whose idea became clearer only after someone gave them time to finish. Remember how much it mattered when a more experienced colleague said your name beside work you had done. You can bring that attention into the way you lead. Ask a question without setting a trap. Give feedback that leaves someone knowing what to try next. Make credit specific, and take your share of responsibility when something goes wrong. There will be difficult decisions that kindness cannot make painless. Meet those decisions with honesty. Over time, the people around you will learn what it feels like to work under your influence. Let some of your ambition live there: in the confidence, dignity, and room to grow that other people find beside you.

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