A leader’s job is not removing every obstacle; sometimes it is developing people capable of overcoming them.

Clearing every obstacle produces people who have never had to solve anything, which is a problem that surfaces exactly when you are unavailable. Some difficulty is the material that capability is made from, and removing all of it is a kindness with a long-term cost.

Before you step in, ask whether this obstacle is one someone could handle with support rather than rescue. Stay close, offer the framework, and let them do it. Choose which difficulties to remove rather than removing them by reflex.