The power of empowerment

Ever feel like you are the only person that you can count on in your organization? It’s natural to feel this way. Day in and day out, you delegated tasks to your employees but things never get done, or they don’t get done properly and have to be redone. This is the trap that many fall into, and it gives birth to micro management.

This is why you have to empower your associates. Give them the time, tools, and training they need to be successful. Some managers fear that if they give away too much information, it makes them vulnerable or disposable.

I say nonsense. I train my associates to the point where they could do my job. Sound crazy? I look at it this way: the more my people know the more things get done to an acceptable standard. Great investment produces great results.

Take a look at your employees. Giving them responsibility is very encouraging to most people. It makes them feel important and needed. This in turn improves morale and productivity. If you are open and honest to them, it encourages them and gives them self confidence.

Ever feel like you wish you could clone yourself? If you train your employees properly, you can. If everyone that works for you knows everything that you know and practices what you preach, think of how productive and successful you can be together.

The best managers are the ones that can take a vacation and no one can tell the difference. If you succeed to the point that you are no longer needed, you are a good leader. Empower your associates to be leaders themselves, and help get them promoted.

All of this accomplishes multiple things. For one, you look like a champ. Everyone is envious of how you can accomplish anything. Your area looks the best day in and day out, whether you are there or not. Your associates are happy and productive. What you have is a team.

It also reduces your workload. Think of how great it would be if you have days at work where you really have nothing to do? You can spend that time on improving yourself. Study some things you don’t know. Become an expert at something else. Make an investment in yourself.

Then turn around and teach it to your associates. The stronger you are as a leader, the stronger your team. Everyone wants to improve, but few have the time to do it. When your team is empowered, you will be empowered to make those kinds of decisions.