Over the past 10 days, I’ve had the unexpected joy of watching baby birds hatch and grow right in the pot plant on my porch. This intimate glimpse into their world—often checking on them multiple times a day—has been nothing short of magical. From hearing their tiny calls to witnessing their rapid growth, nature’s wonders never cease to amaze.
When I didn’t see their mother for a couple of days I got concerned. Despite the urge to intervene, I turned to Google, learned what I could do, and ultimately decided to let nature take its course. Sure enough, the mother returned, continuing to nurture her young with all the dedication of a diligent parent.
This experience reminded me of a vital lesson in both leadership and parenthood:
the importance of stepping back.
As leaders, and indeed as parents, we are often filled with the desire to intervene, to guide, and to prevent mistakes. Yet, sometimes our role is to allow space for growth and autonomy. Letting young managers—or our children—make their own decisions (and yes, their own mistakes) is essential for their development.
Like the mother bird who knows when to return, we must know when to step back and trust the process, hard as it may be. This isn’t just about non-interference; it’s about fostering resilience and independence that will serve them in the long run.
Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this delicate balance of guidance and letting go!
And if you want to watch a short video of these chicks, see my LinkedIn post.