Once you have the right people in place doing the things they are good at, leave them alone. Managers often don't understand that creative thinking and intellectual curiosity are what it takes to solve complex problems. These processes function poorly under time limits and rigid schedules. Yes, we have to meet deadlines. But creative problem-solving can't be squelched, stomped on or denied if you want to solve real problems.

My only role is to check in every so often to see if there's anything I can do for the smart guys. I also enjoy the conversations I have with them and debating the pros and cons. Then I go away, hoping I have sparked more creativity and curiosity.

This is how you get good solutions and happy smart guys.

No. 3: Give credit

Never, ever take credit for what the smart guys do. I recall one time racing out of the office to catch a plane. I would be gone for over a week, but I had a problem I hadn't been able to solve. None of my guys had been able to solve it either, so I had bought a few books on the topic. Unfortunately, I hadn't had time to read them all. As I left, I tossed one of the more informative books to one of my senior guys and asked him to figure it out. Later, he e-mailed me a perfect solution. I told him to go ahead and take it to the CIO.