Why Guiding Isn't Working
How misdiagnosing Know vs Grow stalls development
Track 3
Development & Delegation
Session Overview
Many leaders believe guiding is the answer to most performance issues. When someone struggles, they ask questions, offer guidance, or provide encouragement. This session exposes why guiding often fails. Leaders misdiagnose the problem. Some situations require clarity and standards. Others require patience and struggle. Treating every issue as a guiding moment creates confusion and dependence.
The Leadership Pattern This Session Interrupts
Leaders default to guiding because it feels supportive. Under pressure, guiding becomes a substitute for direction or accountability. Teams become confused about what is expected because guiding replaces clear standards.
The Behavior We Install
Diagnose whether the situation requires knowing (clarity and direction) or growing (patience and struggle) before responding.
Why This Behavior Matters Under Pressure
Pressure makes guiding feel safe. It avoids the discomfort of direct instruction or clear correction. But guiding only works when capability is present. When people need clarity, guiding creates confusion. Accurate diagnosis accelerates development.
The Session Experience
Leaders practice diagnosing real situations. We distinguish between know problems (clarity needed) and grow problems (capability development needed). Leaders match their response to the actual need.
Session Outcomes
- Faster development through accurate diagnosis
- Reduced confusion about expectations
- Guiding applied where it actually helps
- Direction provided where clarity is needed
- Teams that know when to expect support vs. guidance
GDD Anchors
Ready to Install Leadership That Holds?
The Leadership Academy is designed for organizations serious about building leadership infrastructure that scales. Contact us to discuss how this system can work for your team.
Email: info@lowiszleadership.com