"Give people enough guidance to make the decisions you want them to make. Don't tell them what to do, but encourage them to do what is best"

Effective leadership often requires a balance between authority and autonomy. The words by Jimmy Johnson highlight a nuanced approach to guiding others, whether in workplaces, teams, or personal relationships. Rather than imposing strict orders or micromanaging every action, the aim is to set clear expectations and provide enough information or context so others can independently arrive at wise decisions. This method fosters trust, ownership, and intrinsic motivation among team members.

People are far more likely to feel empowered when they are given the tools, background, and objectives needed to act, but retain the freedom to choose how to act. Offering guidance rather than commands respects their judgment and encourages critical thinking. It also nurtures individuals’ abilities to solve problems and builds their confidence in their roles. By sharing your principles, providing resources, and explaining desired outcomes, you align the team’s direction with your vision, while letting them determine the best path to reach those goals.

Moreover, encouraging people to decide for themselves, while outlining the rationale behind preferred outcomes, helps instill a sense of responsibility. Individuals become more invested in their choices and more committed to success, because they understand the purpose and feel their input is valued. This technique is especially effective in diverse groups with varying skills and strengths. When people believe their contributions influence the outcome, morale rises and innovation flourishes.

Directing through encouragement and insight, rather than strict instruction, also prepares individuals for greater responsibilities. They learn not just what to do, but why certain actions are preferable, equipping them to make similar choices even when guidance is limited in the future. In sum, such a leadership philosophy doesn’t just accomplish immediate goals, but also develops stronger, more capable, and independent thinkers, a testament to truly effective leadership.