"El liderazgo es resolver problemas. El día que los soldados dejan de traerte sus problemas es el día en que has dejado de liderarlos."

Leading people is all about solving problems. When people stop coming to you with their issues, that’s when you’ve stopped being a leader. Simple, right? But there's a lot packed into that idea.

Think about it: why do people bring problems to their leaders in the first place? Because they trust them. They believe their leaders can help fix things, or at least listen and care. When that line of communication shuts down, it’s a sign something’s gone wrong. Maybe the leader isn’t approachable anymore, or they’ve shown they don’t care. Either way, it’s a clear signal that the leader has lost touch.

This idea isn't new. It’s been around as long as we've had leaders and followers. In the military, for example, soldiers rely on their command for guidance and support. If they stop communicating, it can lead to dangerous consequences. The same goes for any organization, really. Open communication is critical for solving problems and achieving goals.

Let’s look at a real-life example to bring this home. Imagine a manager at a mid-sized tech company. We'll call her Sarah. Sarah’s team used to come to her with everything – from small bugs in the code to big-picture project concerns. But Sarah got promoted and became busier. She started missing team meetings and responding to messages with short, dismissive replies. Gradually, her team stopped coming to her with their problems. They didn’t feel heard anymore and thought she was too busy. The result? Small issues started piling up, leading to a major project delay that cost the company a big client.

Sarah’s situation isn’t unique. It happens everywhere. Here’s some advice to avoid falling into the same trap. First, make time for your team. Regular check-ins, even if brief, can make a world of difference. Show genuine interest in their concerns and give thoughtful responses. It’s not just about solving the problems, but also about showing that you care. Build a culture where everyone feels safe to speak up. This can be through open-door policies, anonymous feedback options, or just being approachable.

Imagine you're part of a rowing team. You’re all in the boat, and the coach is right there with you, guiding and correcting your strokes. Now, imagine the coach gets out of the boat and starts shouting instructions from the shore. How long before you feel disconnected and start making mistakes? That’s what it’s like when leaders distance themselves from their teams.

In our everyday lives, think about your friends or family. When someone comes to you with a problem, they’re reaching out for help and support. If you brush them off or seem uninterested, they’ll stop coming to you. Leadership in any context works the same way. It’s about being there, listening, and helping to find solutions.

So, remember: leadership isn’t just about making decisions or giving orders. It’s about being the go-to person for your team’s problems, big and small. Keep those lines of communication open, show you care, and stay connected. That’s real leadership.