TEACHING THEM TO FISH

“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”

This timeless idea from the 12th-century philosopher Maimonides holds a profound lesson for leaders today. By shifting our perspective and applying this wisdom to our approach, we can transform our leadership style into one that fosters innovation, empowerment, and lasting loyalty.

Maimonides believed that by teaching a skill, we could preemptively address poverty and dependence on charity. Similarly, as leaders, we can learn from this proverb and adapt it to guide our teams toward sustained success. Instead of merely assigning tasks, we can empower our people by pointing them toward an outcome, igniting their potential, and fostering a sense of ownership that transcends time.

“Give your people a task, and you guide them for a day. Entrust your people with an outcome, and you guide them indefinitely.” 

While it may be tempting to rely on our experience and knowledge to direct our teams, this approach often stifles the very qualities that drive growth and loyalty. By embracing a leadership style centered around empowerment, we unlock the doors to innovation, empowerment, ownership, and unwavering loyalty.

In today's rapidly changing landscape, organizational loyalty has shifted. People are no longer bound to brands alone, but rather to the connections they forge with their colleagues and the meaningful work they contribute. In this context, organizational loyalty can only thrive through outcome ownership.

To retain our best talent, we must grant them the autonomy and trust they need to make a tangible impact on business outcomes. By providing them with unfettered freedom, we enable their growth and instill a sense of purpose that keeps them engaged and committed.

Let us embrace this profound lesson from Maimonides and reimagine our approach to leadership. By giving our people the tools to succeed and fostering a culture of ownership, we unlock their full potential, drive innovation, and cultivate an unbreakable bond of loyalty between the organization and its talented individuals.