And just like that, I didn't do it

You know those managers who make you wonder, "Why the hell doesn't he just do it himself?"

Well, I'm sampling being that manager.

It just occurred to me that there are tasks that;

I don't find challenging anymore.
Other people assume it is my job.

No longer challenging. See who does find it challenging.

I wait and see who picks up the slack.
The slack picker upperer used to be me.
Now, it's not.
I am willing to train and advise.
I even tell them that they don't have to do it.
But they have, like I used to have, a desire to prove their ability.
Unlike, managers I used to work for, I coach them as best as possible.
However, based on some feedback, sometimes people don't appreciate being coached.
It then becomes taxing to monitor it. So, I guess eventually I will become perceived as a typical manager. Meh, but I guess it doesn't matter anymore.
We each have our goals to achieve.

There initially was a feeling of loss.
I used to do it. There is a simplicity of having a task to undertake that I do miss.
A slight pang of longing to action the moment.

Giving Space

The reason you need to back away and not hover when people undertake work is to allow them to own the work.

I recall a manager who was a production line worker. He used to be very hands on workwise.
He trained several people but was always frustrated that they didn't work as efficiently as he did. They didn't take the initiative on work tasks and always relied on him.
Many years passed and he got old.
Old and retired.
Afterwards, he heard that two of the guys were running his position.
He referred to them as lazy bastards for not working hard when he was there.
I saw it more that he should have backed off and made them own the role.

Other people assume it is my job.

I was conversing with another manager.
He commented about a task we were both emailed on.
I said that I didn't recall the email.
"I guess we need to complete the form."
For me, a "we" doesn't exist for a single task.
It is either "you" or "me".
His tone belied his casual comment, so I left it.
He then said, "If I have trouble with it I'll come see you."
Not a problem.

Don't be too amicable

Harmony is good.
I used to always aim for that, even, at my own expense.
But in Corporate politics you sometimes need to poke the bear to see what's really going on.

I guess the same with a fake friendship, where they only provide "constructive criticism" once they are angry at you.

I learned some techniques, one from a very fiery Dutchman, and another, from a smooth Italian.

The Dutchman.

I had always acquiesced when undertaking my work when I was younger. I saw ego as a bad thing and working efficiently, logically and submissively would result in the best outcome for all, and, in the long run, rewards well earned for me.
More and more, rather than respect, I gained nothing but abuse, excess work and ridicule from some toxic people.
My way of thinking was harmful to me.
I was the lowest paid but did the work of 2 people.

The Dutchman taught me some fundamentals but mostly to stand up for yourself.

He was being spoken to rudely by one of the toxic people.
The toxic guy said, "This package needs to be sent urgently. I promised the customer that he would get it tomorrow!"
His first shot was regarding Empathy & Manners.
"Please & Thank You cost nothing. I would appreciate if you use them."
The guy took a stunned step back.
"Please don't promise the customer something when you don't do that job."
The toxic guy fired up. "I'm just helping the customer!"
"And I'm not? You lack empathy. Would you like me to promise the customer when you would finish the work for them?"
"That's different!"
"It is the same. If you don't respect me, then I will give you the same."

The next time they interacted there were, please & thank you, and, I've told the customer to contact you regarding delivery.

The Italian

A new manager began to review the office.
He was graphs and theories and much bluster about goals and objectives.

We were given a complicated spreadsheet to complete.
The Italian was making simple mistakes and unusually, not saying much.
The new manager was getting upset at the Italian. Explaining the spreadsheet over and over again.

I said to the Italian, "You're not this dumb. What are you doing?"
His reply was simple, "He is making the work complicated. He is forgetting about what makes this business work. Customer relationships. Let him fill out these spreadsheets. This guy has no experience."
Very soon the new manager was getting red faced and angry as he wasn't getting his way.

That is how alpha's work. The don't lock horns all barbaric. They try to outmanouvere each other. As soon as one of them displays his anger it is normally game over for them.
Getting angry for real shows you are weak.
Blustering anger is fine as it is part of the show.

Just some thoughts.
Have a good day.