If You Have to Do Your Employee’s Job, You’re Doing This Wrong

In this episode of Art of Reading the Room, Gerard and Sarah dive deep into a struggle every leader faces — balancing hands-on involvement with strategic oversight. From Carl the fast food manager to lessons from UPS and real estate, this conversation explores how knowing when to step in and when to step back can define the success of your business.

You’ll learn:

• Why your team might respect you more when you “get in the fire”
• What a “crow’s nest” approach looks like in real businesses
• How to improve your operations without micromanaging
• The subtle signals employees give when a system isn’t working
• And why leadership is really about training, motivation, and accountability

If you’ve ever struggled with being too involved — or not involved enough — this episode is your blueprint for better management.

Topics Covered:

1. The myth of passive ownership — and when to get your hands dirty
2. Why smart bosses stay invisible until absolutely necessary
3. How to find your “perch” and run operations without micromanaging
4. Stories from fast food, logistics, daycare, and real estate
5. How to train, motivate, and hold people accountable — without burning out
6. The hidden value of doing every job yourself (at least once)

Quote of the Episode:

“If I have to come out and do your job better than you — why do I need you?”

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