Do not index
Do not index
What do you think of when you hear the word power?
Often, we consider power to be something that people have over others. We may think of words like control, oppression, influence or force when we hear the word power.
While power can be used to exert control over others, it can also be used as a form of relational intelligence to empower others. As leaders, we are responsible for shifting power to be something we use to help empower our team members and colleagues.
What are some ways that leaders use their power to empower others?
Open up lines of communication
So many bosses fail to listen. Ask your team, “How can I support you?” You will be surprised to see what happens when you open up a line of communication to your team. This frame of questioning allows your employees to feel heard and valued, and gives them permission to express what they really want and need from you to perform at their best.
Let your team members shine
If one of your team members, or your team in general, has done something exceptionally well, acknowledge them personally and in a group setting. By doing so, you are using your position of power to shine a light on others’ successes, making them feel valued and appreciated. Overall and sustained success is always a team effort, and the way you honor and express gratitude and share in successes helps make everyone aware of this.
Create an idea-positive space
We are at our best when we are allowed to think creatively. Deliberately setting up a time to come up with new ideas as a team is a way to not only empower everyone, but to spark new, innovative ideas that may be extremely beneficial to your company in the long run. This also encourages free thinking, innovation and creative skills that people need to grow and thrive as individuals.
Remember, power does not have to be something we have over people. It can be used to provide a platform of success to others that leads to your team feeling valued, appreciated and heard. How are you using your power wisely and where can you improve? What traits do you most value in people who have led and mentored you? There’s always something you can do to help empower people around you. Find it and lean into it. Your overall company culture will be better for it.
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