I am a big believer in the idea that if you ask someone to do something, you really should just stand back and let them do it. They're doing the work; it's their time and effort which is getting the job done. Leave them to handle it as they see fit.
This doesn't apply, say, to raising your kids or training a new hire of course. You have to watch over them because they're still learning. I understand too that a large setting may require legitimate oversight, or perhaps well defined work protocols. So what I say applies best in one on one situations between competent adults. You ask a friend or family member for a favor, allow them to do the favor as they are able.
I routinely ask me brother Phil to do things at the Shop. Yet I rarely back seat drive. I say, "Phil, do that," and he does it as he will. I try not to direct his moves, even when I disagree with his approach. I asked him to do it. I need to let him.
As a matter of course, if I want something done in a certain way, I do it. I firmly believe that's how you ought to approach any chore. Conversely, if I get asked to do something, I appreciate being let alone to do it (outside of basic necessary information, of course). I try to observe the same courtesy for anyone who's shoulder I tap. So far as I'm concerned, it shows courtesy and respect. And if you don't like how they do things, there's an easy solution. Do it yourself.
Posts
