Let’s face it: as a leader, it’s easy to default to command and control, swooping in like a superhero to save the day (cape optional!). The truth is, the most impactful leaders know when to step back and make room for others to step in. 

Be a Boss of Restraint

Coaching your team for leadership development isn’t about being the boss who has all the answers—it’s about being the boss who empowers everyone else to find solutions.

It means helping your team build the skills to solve problems, see the big picture, and step into their leadership potential. This isn’t you taking a backseat—it’s about shifting from “me” to “we.”

The “We” Mentality: Everyone Leads

Developing your team to be leaders starts with a simple but profound mindset shift: leadership isn’t confined to titles or hierarchy. It also requires you to really believe that your team members have the potential to lead, contribute, and make decisions that align with the greater good. 

This shift doesn’t happen overnight or by declaration (though wouldn’t that be nice!). It takes deliberate effort to empower and guide your team toward shared leadership and a culture where people thrive together, not just individually. 

When your team embraces this “we” mentality, collaboration, shared accountability, and big-picture thinking measurably improve.

• Do you believe your team has the potential to lead, and do they know you believe it?

• Are you creating opportunities for your team to step up before you step in?

• How often do you pause and ask your team for their input before offering your own?

7 Amare Steps to Develop Your Team to Be Good Leaders

1. Coach, don’t command. The next time a team member brings you a problem, resist the urge to provide the solution. Instead, ask guiding questions to help them find their own answer.

2. Foster team problem-solving. Schedule a brainstorming session where everyone contributes to solving a real challenge. This encourages collaboration and shared leadership.

3. Model the “we” mentality. Involve your team in decision-making In meaningful ways. When success is achieved, share the accolades. Highlight examples of collaborative wins.

4. Focus on the big picture. During team meetings, take time to connect individual tasks and contributions to the overarching goals of the organization.

5. Exercise restraint. Keep a tally of how often you jump in with solutions versus coaching others to find their own. Use it as a reminder to step back.

6. Hone your coaching skills. Work with an executive coach to identify areas where you can grow as a leader–asking better questions, role-modeling, building trust, etc. Your leadership development will directly and positively impact your team.

7. Celebrate leadership growth. Recognize when team members demonstrate leadership, no matter their role. Publicly acknowledge these moments to build confidence and encourage others to step up.

Coaching for Love-Powered Leadership

Coaching to develop your team isn’t just about building their skills. As you develop your people to lead with purpose, clarity, and love, you make your organization stronger and more effective. You also increase trust and pave the way for innovation.

Ultimately, you’re not just improving the present—you’re shaping a future where leadership is shared, sustainable, and deeply impactful. Isn’t that the legacy you want?

Tell Me What YOU Want

My purpose in each and every one of these newsletters is to support you in being your very best as a human being and leader. I am starting on a new set of books and would love your ideas on what would most help you. Please contact me to set up a time for us to chat.

Today’s Amare Wave Wednesday Quote

“A leader is best when people barely know they exist, when their work is done, their aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” 

—Lao Tzu, author of the ancient Tao Te Ching

Click here and read more Amare Wave Wednesday newsletters on related topics:

5 Ways for Good Leaders to Become Better Listeners

When Enough is Enough: The Two Sides of “Enough” Great Leaders Must Master

Be the Same in Success and Defeat: Timeless Advice for Great Leaders

No Secrets: How Transparency Empowers Highly Successful Leadership

The Power of Presence: What Happens When You Really Show Up for Your People