The Myth of Constant Leadership
Early in my career as a restaurant executive, I operated under the flawed assumption that leaders are meant to always be leading. I believed that once you have a title and employees, you should constantly be calling the shots and steering the ship. This applied whether we were introducing new boba milk tea flavors or launching fresh blends of craft beverages.
However, it took a series of challenges and roadblocks for me to recognize the downside of this approach. By always trying to take the lead, I was unintentionally holding my team back. I was limiting their growth and stepping into areas outside my expertise. Trying to perfect a traditional matcha recipe, despite having limited experience with it, is a perfect example. Over time, I realized that the best leaders know there is a time to lead, a time to follow and a time to step aside.
When you insist on being the constant authority, you prevent others from stepping into bigger roles and responsibilities. Sometimes, the smartest move a leader can make is to let go. Allowing others to take the lead gives your team the chance to expand their skills through hands-on experience—whether it’s creating the perfect pink drink or optimizing our growing boba program across the nation.
Jason Valentine and other restaurant industry leaders share the stage at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in 2024.
Jason Valentine and other restaurant industry leaders share the stage at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in 2024.
When Stepping Aside Becomes the Strongest Move
There are also moments when the right leadership move is to simply get out of the way. We all have strengths and weaknesses. In areas that are not my specialty, such as data analysis or process documentation, I’ve found tremendous value in allowing those who excel in those areas to take full ownership. Doing so frees me to focus on what I do best while empowering others to make a meaningful impact.
Developing the Judgment to Choose the Right Role
The difficult part is developing the self-awareness and situational judgment to know which approach is needed. It requires constantly evaluating the circumstances, the people involved and where your greatest value lies. Sometimes that value appears in leading a new beverage initiative. Other times, it’s found by stepping back to let someone else improve customer satisfaction with our boba milk tea offerings.
I’ve had to build the wisdom to diagnose whether my leadership is essential or whether the situation would benefit more from my support. Trying to mix leading, following and stepping aside at the same time creates confusion around roles and expectations. Much like mixing too many flavors into a drink, the result becomes muddled.
Communicating Clearly When You Step Back
Now, when I intentionally choose to follow or step out of the way, I make sure to communicate clearly. Setting expectations helps others confidently step into leadership roles and take full ownership of their work.
Learning From Transformative Leaders
The most transformative leaders I’ve worked with understood this balance well. They led with conviction when necessary, followed thoughtfully when someone else had the expertise and stepped aside when fresh perspectives were needed. It has taken me years to internalize this lesson, but it remains one of the most powerful leadership principles I’ve learned in the craft beverages industry.
A Leadership Practice Worth Pursuing
Reflecting regularly on whether you need to lead, follow or step aside requires discipline and humility. Yet it is a worthy pursuit for any leader who wants to create an environment where their people—and their organization—can truly thrive.
