As the boss, you think your role is to tell everyone else what to do. And it kinda is, in a way.

The trap is to think that it makes you more important than the other people. It doesn’t. Sure, your decisions might be complex and challenging. But you’re probably not the one who is actually, directly, delivering value for the customer.

And if you look at the big picture, ALL work is worthy of respect and honor. Even the planning you do.

This became clear as our world was reoriented in 2020 and we suddenly had to recognize “essential services.” Sure, the doctors and nurses were absolutely crucial, and people researching vaccines.

But what about those workers at the grocery store who you usually ignore?

What about the truck drivers bringing you toilet paper and bread?

What about stockers who helped the supply chain to flow smoothly?

All of a sudden, a whole bunch of people we had never paid attention to became crucial workers. Not to diminish anybody else, of course.

So go ahead and continue making your plans and creating Powerpoints. It’s important work.

But not any more important that the work everybody on your team is doing.