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Discussion on: Build a leader habit: learn how to let go

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Jason C. McDonald • Edited

Fantastic!

At my company, I usually assign each individual (including interns) primary responsibility over a sector of the code. When I have a large enough staff to cover our active projects in that manner, I like to go to various staff members, including interns, and ask them what they'd like me to do. I literally let them assign me tasks.

When I'm working on such a task, I refrain from making project decisions; I'll ask them instead. Even if it's not the decision I would have made, if I'm not asked for my feedback, I'll generally go with the flow. [See my other comment.] It's amazing how often I learn things, even from interns, that way.

I find that really empowers the staff members, especially interns, to work independently, make mistakes, and get a taste of real-world project management. Bonus, it keeps me closely involved, without me being underfoot.

(By the way, I do have the authority as lead developer to provide unsolicited feedback and override decisions, but I rarely do so unless the mistake would have significant repercussions beyond the immediate code sector.)