Many people who reach high levels within their organization tend to have a strong need for control. This generally stems from having learned that the best way to ensure things get done is by personally seeing to it that tasks are taken care of. While this mentality is very understandable, particularly for people who have worked very hard to build a business, it is not the best way to lead a team.
The best leaders are those who empower others on their team to take over the work. This not only allows each team member to develop to his or her full potential, but also frees up the leader to take on the most important tasks of running the business. Most leaders know this in theory, but may have a difficult time putting it into practice. Here are some tips to help you feel confidence in empowering your employees.
1. Train, train, train. The best way to ensure your comfort with handing over tasks and decision making authority is to ensure that the employee is up to the challenge. When the employee is thoroughly trained, mistakes are less likely to happen, and you feel more secure.
2. Ask for regular updates. In the beginning, getting regular updates will help ensure you are comfortable with how decisions are being made and how tasks are being completed. These updates also allow the employee ample opportunity to ask questions.
3. Allow people to do things differently. Remember that doing things correctly does not necessarily mean doing things exactly the same way you would do them. Allowing for flexibility helps employees become empowered and helps them to develop to their full capability. And, you never know; you might learn something along the way
Remember that doing things correctly does not necessarily mean doing things exactly the same way you would do them. Allowing for flexibility helps employees become empowered and helps them to develop to their full capability. And, you never know; you might learn something along the way.
When you empower your employees, you create an atmosphere that allows for personal and professional development of your employees. You also create a work situation that allows you to focus on the tasks and responsibilities that should be yours alone.