If you choose to be an entrepreneur, and you’re leading a business, you must take the hardest things on yourself. Don’t give them to anybody else. Here’s how that infrastructure works in our real estate business.
My wife, Yaffa, handles more of the operational side of the business, whereas I’m more of the big picture strategy. I think my greatest strength is having that quiet time to be able to strategize about what assets and what businesses to focus on with regards to the things we’re doing currently, and where we want to be in six months, a year, five years, and even ten years. And constantly trying to move the pieces in those ways from a leadership perspective. And within that you’re able to see people on your team who need help, and I’m constantly reaching out to them. And I constantly tell my team, ‘If there are things you can’t figure it out, give it to me.”
Here’s more on why leaders must take on the hardest assignments themselves.
Leadership isn’t just about delegating tasks and making decisions; it’s about setting an example and demonstrating a commitment to the success of the team.
Firstly, leading by example fosters a culture of accountability within the team. When team members see their leader engaging in challenging tasks, it sends a powerful message that everyone is expected to contribute their best efforts. This creates a sense of shared responsibility, where each team member understands the importance of taking on difficult challenges. When this happens, excuses and blame are less likely to thrive, and a strong work ethic becomes commonplace.
Secondly, doing the hardest work allows leaders to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the team. This firsthand experience provides valuable insights that can inform better decision-making and strategy development. It’s easy for leaders to become disconnected from the day-to-day realities of their team if they don’t get their hands dirty. By diving into the most challenging aspects of the work, leaders stay connected with the team’s struggles, successes, and the challenges of the tasks at hand.
Furthermore, taking on difficult tasks builds credibility and trust among team members. When leaders demonstrate a willingness to roll up their sleeves and tackle the toughest challenges, it shows that they are not asking their team to do anything they wouldn’t do themselves. This authenticity builds trust and respect, key components of a healthy and productive team dynamic. Team members are more likely to follow a leader who is willing to share the burdens of challenging work.
Leaders who do the hardest work also inspire and motivate their team. When employees see their leader taking on daunting tasks, it creates a positive and motivating atmosphere. This inspiration can be contagious, encouraging team members to push their own boundaries and strive for excellence. The leader becomes a source of inspiration, and the team is more likely to rally behind a shared vision when they see leadership from the top.
In addition, doing the hardest work allows leaders to identify and nurture talent within the team. By being actively involved in challenging tasks, leaders can spot individuals who excel under pressure, showcase unique skills, or demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities. This insight is critical for talent development, ensuring that the team has the right individuals in key positions to tackle all challenges.
In conclusion, leaders must be willing to do the hardest work themselves because it sets the tone for the entire team. It establishes a culture of accountability, provides valuable insights, builds credibility and trust, inspires and motivates the team, and allows leaders to identify and nurture talent. Ultimately, effective leadership is about more than just making decisions; it’s about actively participating in the journey towards success.