Yesterday, an observant neighbor might have noticed a difference in our sidewalk.

The normally crisp edge of snow between the yard and the cleared concrete was replaced by a more impressionistic approach. Rhythmic, systemic tool marks were not to be seen. Instead, there was a mix of boot markings and a confused pattern of snowy remnants.

A small bit of cleanup was necessary, but our children had done a fine job of shoveling the sidewalks.

It didn’t matter that it wasn’t perfect. It didn’t matter that they needed some help in the end. What mattered was that we let them try. They did a fine job, and they learned a bit too.

* * *

Of course we can do things better and of course we have more experience … but when do we do the hand-off? When do we let the junior manager tackle the big project? When do we let the new hire take on more responsibility? When do we let the kids give it a shot?

When we step aside and allow others to take the lead, we help them to grow.

Sometimes, that means watching a messy first attempt.

But it also might mean sipping coffee instead of putting on snow boots.