When should I give direct instructions and when do I ask for input from others?

This is a dilemma for many managers. It's made worse as, usually, if you get it wrong no one will necessarily tell you!

Good leaders think hard about their teams and work out what tasks and types of behaviour are absolutely vital. clarify this with your boss if necessary. Then communicate this to your people, clearly and directly.

However, there are many other things which team members could easily do using their own ideas and initiative. Tell them, and ask them for help with problems or strategies without giving your own opinions first.

Managers who are respected by the team members as leaders are clear and constant about the two things above. Be weak on one, or confuse the two, and you will lose that respect.

For many managers, this can be quite difficult to think through and communicate to the team. We have lots of experience of people with this - why not talk it through with us?