I have two regular drinks at Starbucks, a double tall toffee nut latte and an iced venti caramel macchiatto. At first my habit tripped up the baristas at the downtown Starbucks, but eventually they grew to smile when they remember which of my two regulars I am going to order.
On this particular morning, though, the person taking my order was a manager, who was training a new employee. As the barista called out my order I nodded in agreement, and I watched the manager repeat my order aloud without looking at his trainee, type a few keys, and hand me my receipt. He repeated this again and again as I waited for my latte.
I wonder if the manager even knows his apprentice's name.
I wonder if the trainee picked up any of what just happened on the other side of his trainer's back.
Because leadership isn't about showing someone all the neat tricks you know how to do. It's about stepping back and helping someone else to develop those tricks in himself. Watching her make the same mistakes you made, and even a few you didn't. Doing whatever you can to serve him in his efforts at following your example.