"Ne dites jamais aux gens comment faire les choses. Dites-leur quoi faire et ils vous surprendront par leur ingéniosité."

The gist of this quote is pretty straightforward. It's all about empowering others by focusing on the outcomes you want rather than micromanaging the process. Instead of dictating every little step along the way, you're better off setting clear goals and letting people figure out how to achieve them. This approach can lead to some pretty amazing results because it taps into people's creativity and problem-solving skills.

Think back to the early days of the tech industry. Steve Jobs was famous for telling his team what he wanted—like a sleek, easy-to-use personal computer—but not how to get there. He didn't bog his engineers down with every tiny detail. Instead, he trusted them to come up with innovative solutions. This kind of leadership helped Apple create groundbreaking products like the iPhone and the Mac. Jobs set the vision, but he left the 'how' to his talented team.

Imagine you're a manager at a marketing firm. You've got this big campaign to run, but instead of telling your team exactly what to do—like which social media platforms to use, what kind of graphics to design, or what hashtags to employ—you just lay out the goal. "We need to increase our client's online engagement by 50% over the next three months." Then you step back. You'd be amazed at the creative solutions your team might come up with. Maybe they'll experiment with a series of quirky TikTok videos or develop an interactive online challenge that goes viral.

So, how can you apply this in your day-to-day life? Next time you're working on a group project or even just trying to get your kids to clean their room, resist the urge to micromanage. Lay out the end goal clearly and let them surprise you. Not only does this build their confidence, but it also takes some of the pressure off you. Plus, you'll likely end up with a better result than if you'd tried to control every step.

Think about a real-world scenario. Picture a teacher planning a classroom activity. Instead of handing out a detailed worksheet with step-by-step instructions, they give the students a challenge: "Create a model of a sustainable city." The students, given the freedom to brainstorm and collaborate, come up with a variety of creative models. Some use LEGO, others repurpose old cardboard, while a few even use digital tools to design something in 3D. The results are diverse and innovative—far beyond what any rigid set of instructions could have produced.

Letting go of the reins a little can be tough, especially if you're someone who likes to be in control. But remember, the real magic happens when you trust others to use their skills and ingenuity. So next time you're in a position to delegate, take a step back and enjoy the surprises that come your way. You'll not only foster a more creative and engaged team but also open yourself up to new and unexpected ideas. Sounds like a win-win, right?