I have been a Simon Sinek fan for a long time. The other day I saw this quote by him which has me thinking: “The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.”

It’s a simple yet profound reminder that leadership isn’t about being the sole innovator or the constant doer, but about fostering a space where talent and creativity can flourish.

In my own experience, I’ve learned that trusting people to do what they’re good at isn’t just about delegation. It’s about respect and empowerment. When leaders micromanage or step into every task, it subtly tells the team they don’t trust their abilities. Over time, that can breed frustration, diminish confidence, and even lead to burnout. Because honestly, constantly doing and controlling doesn’t just burn us out; it dims the spark of initiative and innovation among everyone around us.

Creating an environment for ideas means giving people the freedom, support, and trust to explore, experiment, and even fail without fear of judgment. It’s about believing that good ideas come from diverse minds, not just the leader’s perspective. When that trust is there, it opens the door for collaboration, shared ownership, and a collective sense of purpose.

Leadership, then, becomes less about being the source of all solutions and more about being the catalyst for others’ greatness. It’s a shift from “I must do everything” to “I’ll create the space for you to shine.” And in that space, true innovation and engagement happen alongside a healthier, more motivated team.

So, today I remind myself: leadership is about environment-building. Trust others, step back when needed, and watch great ideas emerge.