If you are in a leadership role, chances are you believe it’s better to give than to receive. This means you also probably believe you should always be competent, never make mistakes, and always be strong. You may also feel that you should only receive when you have something to give in return.

The problem with this attitude is that when you’re in a situation where you don’t have a choice and must receive, you are likely to feel humiliated, incompetent, and stupid.

We always hear “it’s better to give than to receive” but that’s not always the truth.

It’s easier to give than to receive, but not always better

Giving when people can help themselves takes away their power and opportunity to grow, and keeps them dependent.

It may be hard to watch the butterfly struggle to emerge from its cocoon, but if you try to help, you’ll cripple it. Your attempts to shield your children may prevent them from learning valuable lessons.

You might believe that being a servant leader means helping your team. But helping them by doing the tough work for them removes the opportunity for them to break through and realize their full potential.

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