As leaders, we all have a purpose. Just like a parent, we nurture, guide, and invest in the people we lead. But at some point, they need to step out on their own, make their own name, and carve their own path. It's a delicate balance between imparting wisdom and allowing independence.
I remember mentoring a young professional early in my career. I poured my time and energy into helping them grow, sharing all the knowledge I had. When the time came for them to move on, it was bittersweet. I realized that while I had given them the tools they needed, their journey was now theirs to shape. They took what I taught them, but also brought their unique perspective to the table, adding value in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
This experience taught me that true leadership is about empowering others to carry forward what they've learned, while also…