There was a time when I managed some individuals who weren’t particularly independent. They were talented, no doubt, but hesitant to take action wit

Empowering Your Staff Doesn’t Work. Here’s What Does.

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2024-11-29 11:00:02

There was a time when I managed some individuals who weren’t particularly independent. They were talented, no doubt, but hesitant to take action without my input. My solution? Empower them. Or so I thought.

I’d say things like, You’re empowered! Make the call! Take charge! But it never worked the way I hoped. They’d start a task, get partway through, and then ask for clarification—or worse, look for my approval. Frustrated, I found myself micromanaging to ensure things were done correctly. The cycle repeated endlessly: empowering them in words, controlling them in actions.

It took me a while to see what I was doing. By telling them they were empowered, I was reinforcing my position as the one with the power to give. I wasn’t lifting them up—I was holding them back by making them dependent on my permission.

Emancipation is different. It means seeing their potential and creating an environment where they no longer rely on you. It’s about believing in their ability to solve problems, take ownership, and even make mistakes without your constant oversight.

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