How to Develop Frontline Leaders Who Solve Problems Without Waiting for Answers - David Elser

Send Fan Mail by Text!Full transcript and show notes: https://www.sharnafabiano.com/2026/07/29/how-to-develop-frontline-leaders-who-solve-problems-without-waiting-for-answers-david-elser/ What happens when experienced employees have the knowledge to solve problems, but organizational habits teach them to wait for direction? David Elser draws from more than 30 years in the transportation industry to explore how leaders can step back at the right moments and create space for employees — from frontline workers to executives — to contribute solutions.David Elser, author of Doing the Chores, shares his concept of smart followership through personal stories of growing up on a small family farm in northwest Ohio. He is a learning and development professional based in Coldwater Lake, Michigan, with over 30 years of experience in the transportation industry. He works with employees at all levels, from essential front-line workers to executive leaders. David has a master's degree in organizational management and is a Certified Professional Coach.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to develop employee initiative in frontline teamsWhy effective delegation requires leaders to step back sometimesHow talent development programs can teach employees to provide meaningful supportWhat supervisors can do to help employees become better problem-solversHow leaders can balance giving direction with creating ownershipEpisode ReferencesShirtless Dancing Guyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW8amMCVAJQTrust, Followership, and Leadership in Non-Profit Change Processes - Tom Klaushttps://leadfollow.buzzsprout.com/1735834/9340458-trust-followership-and-leadership-in-non-profit-change-processes-tom-klausTraining Everyone in Both Leadership and Followership – Samantha Hurwitzhttps://leadfollow.buzzsprout.com/1735834/13325495-training-everyone-in-both-leadership-and-followership-samantha-hurwitz HR Perspective on Followership and Leadership Training - Julie Newmanhttps://leadfollow.buzzsprout.com/1735834/13364704-hr-perspective-on-followership-and-leadership-training-julie-newman Connect with David ElserDoing the Chores Websitehttps://doingthechores.comDoing the Chores Book (adults)https://a.co/d/esqqdoSDoing the Chores Book (kids)https://a.co/d/9QvryVqFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/FollowSmartLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-r-elser-5a17655  Support the show*Sharna Fabiano is the author of Lead & Follow: The Dance of Inspired Teamwork and host of the Lead & Follow Podcast. She helps founders, solopreneurs, and new leaders build strong collaborative relationships and successful teams. Get a discounted coach session with Sharna with promo code PODCAST https://www.sharnafabiano.com/coaching/Order the book: Lead & Followhttps://www.amazon.com/Lead-Follow-Dance-Inspired-Teamwork/dp/1646632796/Support the Show!https://www.buzzsprout.com/1735834/support