If you’ve ever spent time with Jim Rowell, you’ve likely heard his two favorite rules for transformational leadership:
- Stop answering questions—start asking them.
- Stop fixing problems—coach others to solve them.
Organizations of all sizes and industries wrestle with challenges like communication breakdowns, conflict, and decision-making. Servant leaders embrace these two principles, not as rigid rules but as guideposts for impactful leadership.
Great leaders don’t just provide answers; they foster growth by asking thoughtful questions. They empower their teams to become problem-solvers, moving away from a reliance on one “hero” to fix everything. To put it simply: You are not the answer to every question. You are not the solution to every problem.
This doesn’t mean leaders should shy away from hard work. Rolling up your sleeves and working shoulder-to-shoulder with your team is essential. But intentionality is key. By investing in others and coaching them effectively, servant leaders unlock potential, strengthen teams, and create lasting impact.
Servant leadership isn’t about being the hero—it’s about serving others.
