What to do when your team wouldn't step up

EPISODE · Sep 14, 2025 · 10 MIN

What to do when your team wouldn't step up

from The Start Up To Grown Up Podcast · host Heather Townsend

Do you wish your team would step up? Do you believe your team is seriously punching below it's weight?Have you found this?You know they could be doing more, and you desperately need them to be doing more, but instead, you’ve become their ultimate security blanket. Every problem, every tricky bit of work, ends up back on your desk. This traps you in the day-to-day grind of client work, leaving no time to focus on working ON the business.The solution is not just about telling your team to ‘do more’ or to get angry with them. It’s about changing the systems and habits that created the dependency in the first place. You need to shift your role from being the answer to every question to being the coach who helps the team find the answers themselves.This is the topic of the podcast episode - how to stop learned helplessness so you can team can step up.What you'll learn in the podcast episode:- The different approaches to take if a team member 'wouldn't or can't'- The importance of developing psychological safety in your team- Where you are typically going wrong with delegating work- Why you may need to stop your 'open door' policyChapters00:00 Understanding Team Dependency and Learned Helplessness01:51 Diagnosing Team Issues: Can’t Do vs. Won’t Do03:14 Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace05:35 Effective Delegation Strategies07:23 Building Competence and Accountability Systems09:35 Setting Clear Expectations and AccountabilityRelated episodes:Why we feel the compulsion to overwork (and how to stop): https://startuptogrownup.substack.com/p/7-reasons-you-are-overworking-and?r=l8khyHow to find the gems in your team: https://startuptogrownup.substack.com/p/how-to-find-the-gems-in-your-team?r=l8khyThe science behind why you wouldn't delegate: https://startuptogrownup.substack.com/p/the-science-behind-why-you-wont-delegate?r=l8khyHow to dal with your firm's Dysfunctional Star (without losing your sanity): https://startuptogrownup.substack.com/p/how-to-deal-with-your-firms-dysfunctional?r=l8khyUseful links:- sign up as a paid subscriber and use this link to get 20% off an annual membership of Start Up To Grown UpWelcome to a free podcast episode of Start Up To Grown Up: Your source for ideas, insights and tactics to take back control of your business and scale it sustainably and profitably by Heather Townsend, award-winning author of The Accountants’ Millionaires’ Club and Founder of The Accountants’ Growth ClubEach episode of the Start Up To Growth Up Podcast is based on my weekly Substack Article on the same topic. Head over to my substack to subscribe https://substack.com/@startuptogrownup so you never miss an article or episode again. Get full access to Start Up To Grown Up at startuptogrownup.substack.com/subscribe

NOW PLAYING

What to do when your team wouldn't step up

0:00 10:44

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

Turkish Culture and Language adventure Mehmet Ali informal guide to Turkish language and culture with friendly turkish host, Mehmet Ali can. MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. The Game Radio Popolare Soldi, lavoro, avidità, disoccupazioni: il grande gioco dell’economia smontato ogni giorno da Raffaele Liguori. Photo Breakdown Scott Wyden Kivowitz Photo Breakdown is a podcast in which we explore the world of photography with a trusted guide, host Scott Wyden Kivowitz. His expertise and passion bring the industry to life as we explore the stories, trends, and ideas shaping it today. Join us as we dissect everything from incredible photographs and creative techniques to the latest gear releases and hot topics in the photography community.In each episode, we break down what’s happening behind the scenes - whether it’s making a powerful image, a candid discussion on industry trends, or a reflection on the tools and technology changing how we make photographs. You’ll get insights, expert opinions, and a fresh perspective on what’s top of mind for photographers right now.Anticipate short, engaging episodes brimming with ideas and inspiration. Be part of the conversation by sharing your thoughts, voice notes, and comments. Your participation is what makes our community vibrant and dynamic.It’s more than just photography - everyth
URL copied to clipboard!