How involved should you be in your team’s creative work? Former Disney CEO Bob Iger says the question is less about when you intervene than how much. He recommends giving people room to develop an idea—while staying close enough to see when the work needs more of your attention. Here’s his approach.
Engage early on important ideas. Ask your team to explain the idea and why it deserves time and resources. Then give them space to develop it.
Offer perspective, then step back. When the team is ready to share its progress, provide a critique or advice on where to take the work. Let them incorporate that input before you weigh in again.
Adjust your involvement as the work develops. If the project is going well, gradually disengage. If it’s struggling, get more deeply involved and commit your own time to helping the team address the problems.
