A sapling’s support is useful only while it helps the tree stand for itself.

Support is meant to be temporary structure rather than permanent architecture. A stake holds a young tree while its own wood thickens, and if it stays too long the tree never builds the strength the wind was going to teach it. The same is true of help given to a person: it should be aimed at the day it is no longer needed. Good support has an ending written into it from the start.

Look at one arrangement where you are the stake, at work or at home. Ask what would have to be true for it to end, and move one part of it across.