Palm Beach Gardens Lving - April 2026

A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 15 Be Aware of the Monkeys - By Bob Fashano - A s a leader, your primary function is to develop more leaders, not get more followers. We need to guard against solving their problems for them. We must teach them to make better decisions and solve their own problems. I know we all know this to be true. However, in the heat of the moment, in the busy day-to-day, we can easily succumb to the “Monkey Transfer”. The transfer conversation starts with a question — “Hey, Boss, do you have a minute?” When you answer and invite them in, the transfer begins. Typically, there is a question, an important decision they have, or a problem they need to solve, and they are asking you for your advice or input. While you could certainly answer or solve the problem quickly and dismiss them so you can handle your own monkeys, in my experience, in most cases, they can find the answer and solution when challenged. Of course, there are occasions where only you have the answer. In that instance, it should be a quick response. Here is an idea that has worked for me that you can try the next time you feel the “Monkey Transfer” coming. When the question is asked, or the problem presented, and you are asked to answer or solve, your response should be,” Yes, I have some thoughts on this. I’m curious what you have tried thus far. What is your plan?” COMMUNITY Try your best not to solve it for them. Stay curious and keep asking open-ended questions. You will be surprised that they have the solution or the answer. Our role should always be one of empowering them to solve problems and make better decisions. If the person is not trained with the knowledge or skills required to address the issue, that is another matter. Train if you need to. What I’m referring to, though, is developing people. They are not being developed if you keep taking their monkeys and have them piled on to the ones you already have. Let’s remember that the business will grow when the people are growing and getting better. That is our job as leaders. We create a growing and developing culture by providing resources and coaching our people to solve problems and make better decisions. When they discover the solutions themselves through your challenge questions, growth begins, and it is lasting. Lastly, remember: People growth = Business growth, lack of people growth = business in decay. Bob Fashano is the founder of Lead One Consulting, LLC, an executive Coaching and Leadership Development Company located in Palm Beach Gardens. Bob Is a certified Executive Coach from the Center for Executive Coaching and a member of the International Coaching Federation. He is the author of a recently released book, "Make Today Your Masterpiece" and a new book to be released in the fourth quarter of 2026. He serves on the Keiser Flagship Advisory Counsel.