A man found a cocoon for a butterfly. One day a small opening appeared, he sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as it struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared stuck.

The man decided to help the butterfly and with a pair of scissors he cut open the cocoon. The butterfly then emerged easily. Something was strange. The butterfly had a swollen body and shriveled wings. The man watched the butterfly expecting it to take on its correct proportions. But nothing changed.

The butterfly stayed the same. It was never able to fly. In his kindness and haste the man did not realize that the butterfly’s struggle to get through the small opening of the cocoon is nature’s way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight.

Like the sapling which grows strong from being buffeted by the wind, in life we all need to struggle sometimes to make us strong.

But we also need to understand when we can use a little help. Acknowledging that it’s time to admit that we need to look for someone who can offer the kind of expertise and advice that will bring success is an important first step.

I’m a big believer in hiring coaches to teach me how to practice the right concepts, but I’m also aware that it is up to me. In the end, I’m the one who has to do it.

I’ve had a variety of coaches over the years. The list includes a personal trainer, a speech coach, foreign language coach, humor coach, idea coach, marathon coach, golf coach, tennis coach, skiing coach, swimming coach, dancing coach (thanks to my wife).  I’ve got a memory coach, Internet coach, artificial intelligence coach, social media coach and so on. 

In the context of coaching and leadership, it’s important for people to take initiative and handle tasks independently. This fosters a sense of ownership and helps develop problem-solving skills. Leaders should aim to empower their teams while also being available to offer assistance and feedback. This balance encourages growth and innovation while ensuring that individuals don’t feel overwhelmed. Here’s why:

Empowerment and growth. Allowing employees to handle tasks on their own encourages self-reliance and confidence. It empowers them to take ownership of their work and develop problem-solving skills.

When individuals are given the freedom to approach tasks in their own way, it can lead to creative solutions and new ideas. Employees can build their skills and expertise, which contributes to their professional growth and the overall success of the team.

Support and guidance. While independence is important, it’s also crucial to provide support when someone is struggling to prevent feelings of inadequacy and ensure tasks are completed efficiently.

When we coach and teach others it is helpful to recognize when people need to do things for themselves. Encouraging team members to seek help when needed fosters a collaborative environment. It shows that it’s okay to rely on others and that teamwork is valued.

In essence, while it’s important to let people take initiative and learn through doing, it’s equally important to be available for support and guidance. This balance can lead to a more dynamic and effective workplace.

In a bustling office, there was an intern named Tim who was eager to prove himself. One day, the office coffee machine broke down, and Tim saw it as his golden opportunity. He confidently declared, “Don’t worry, I’ll fix it!”

Tim had never fixed a coffee machine before, but he was determined to figure it out. He spent hours tinkering, consulting online forums and even calling his uncle who once worked as a barista. Finally, he triumphantly announced that the machine was ready.

The first person to try the coffee was the office manager, who took a sip and immediately made a face. “Tim,” she said, “this coffee tastes … interesting.”

Tim, looking sheepish, admitted, “I might have accidentally used salt instead of sugar. But hey, I learned a lot about coffee machines today!”

The office had a good laugh, and Tim learned a valuable lesson about double-checking ingredients. More importantly, he gained confidence in his ability to tackle new challenges, even if the results were a bit salty at first.

Mackay’s Moral: Empowerment is key but knowing when to lend a hand can make all the difference.