"That's not the problem we told him to solve."

When working with executives to document their core Behaviors (Values) I often ask them to name an employee or two who represent their ideal staffer and then unpack what makes them great.

In one particular exercise the attributes included: can-do attitude; takes initiative; passion; courage, etc. Sounds like the kind of people who could move a mountain, right?

In the next exercise we did the same thing only with employees who don't embody the culture we want. One employee was named but there was some concern in the room because one exec said the guy had really come through on an issue.

"But that's not the problem we told him to solve," came an exasperated reply. And then the room fell awkwardly quiet.

On one hand they wanted people like themselves who took initiative and conquered big challenges. At the same time, they felt threatened by that behavior. Managers who live like this destroy good people and derail careers. They kill cultures and companies from within.

You want your best people solving problems on their own. You NEED your best people solving problems on their own. You also need people to solve problems you don't see or understand.

Strong managers get this. Weak ones never will.