of the time. If you’re like the majority of the people I’ve taught,
when asked to identify which of these roles you play most often,
you’ll choose the Rescuer. And even if Rescuer is not your default
role, I’m betting you recognize it well enough.
THE MINUTE WE BEGIN TO THINK WE
HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, WE
FORGET THE QUESTIONS.
Madeleine L’Engle
When we’re in Rescuer mode, we’re constantly leaping in to
solve problems, jumping in to offer advice, taking over
responsibilities that others should rightfully keep for themselves.
We do it with good intentions; we’re just trying to help, to “add
value” as managers. But you can already see the price that’s being
paid by both sides. You’re exhausted—and they’re irritated.
You’re limiting opportunities for growth and for expanding the
potential of those you’re working with. More provocatively, you
might be coming to understand that Rescuers create Victims,
though we want to believe that it’s the other way around (which is
also true, but not only true).