One of the temptations a manager can run into is the desire to overprotect their employees. More than once I've watched an employee struggle through something that I knew the answer to. I stealthly watched and observed as they went about their tasks.
Only at a time when they were ready to learn would I get close enough where they would be able to ask for my input if they wanted. It is in that crucial moment where your true training really happens. The employee is ready for input and you know the answer to the problem; a perfect match.
This is a great strategy to use with a number of employees. When they learn this way, I find that they are able to retain that lesson.
Now I'm not talking about the idea of throwing them out on the store or business somewhere with no training to see if they will sink or swim, I'm talking about training them and then experiential tries, and then the moment where they seek your advice.
It creates trust, respect and good will as the employee learns that they are able to make mistakes and grow, and that you're willing to take time with them until they get it right. It really works.
One thing to warn against here: don't do this with a huge contract or customer at stake, let them start small and grow from there. On the big things you probably will have to intervene until they really get it. On the small things let them try and fail, they and the company will be better for it.
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