Over the past 13 years of coaching and training leaders, one of the phrases I hear time and again is this: “I just need my people to step up.”

And yet, here’s the uncomfortable truth I’ve had to learn myself.

It’s very hard for people to step up if their boss has their foot on their chest.

Not intentionally. Not maliciously. But through subtle, well-meaning behaviours that quietly hold people back.

In this episode of The Leader’s Kitbag, I share a personal story from my time working in the Leadership Academy at Tesco, where I unintentionally stopped a talented graduate from developing simply because I thought I was “helping”.

This episode is a practical reflection on how we sometimes suppress the very growth we’re asking for.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why leaders rarely hold people back deliberately but often do so while trying to help
• How giving quick answers can slowly reduce your team’s ability to think for themselves
• The hidden cost of redoing someone’s work and the impact on their motivation
• Why stepping back without disengaging is critical for long-term development

Ben’s Key Takeaway

If I truly believe that my job as a leader is to support, develop and look after the people I have the privilege and responsibility to lead so that they can deliver the results I’m accountable for, then sometimes the most powerful thing I can do is step back.

Not to abandon them.

But to give them space.

Because people can only rise up when we take our foot off their chest.

This week, ask yourself:

Where might I be unintentionally pinning someone down whilst wanting them to step up?

Is there a meeting I could let them lead?

A problem I could coach them through instead of solving?

A presentation they could deliver in my place?

If we want growth, confidence and accountability in our teams, we have to create the conditions for it.

Want to learn more about how to be a leader?

The waitlist is now open for the cohort of my ‘Leader in Me’ programme.

If you're ready to:

• Build confidence and capability as a leader
• Break free from firefighting and become more proactive
• Learn how to inspire your team and deliver results…

Join the waitlist here for early access and updates on the next open programme.

Prefer bite-sized learning?

Check out the 10-4-10 Leadership Programme, my free online course that delivers powerful, practical leadership tools in just 10 minutes a week.

You’ll get:

• Weekly lessons on topics like delegation, motivation and prioritisation
• A short video, podcast, and book recommendation each week
• Simple tactics you can use straight away

It’s practical, no-nonsense leadership training that fits into your busy schedule.

Learn more about the 10-4-10 programme here.