Recently, during one of my speaking engagements, when in discussion about leadership in troubled times, a member of the group said something rather profound. We were talking about having courage to take action, and the importance of involving your people in solutions.
One person focused on communication. Another said he played it close to the vest, & that his folks needed a strong leader. Still another said he considered himself a good leader, but not as good as the sum total of his group. He found that: "The more power I give away, the more power I gain." Nicely said. As is so often the case, I learn more from the groups I address than any other source.
When I asked him if I could use his quote (he said yes), I told him I would use it with credit given. He is Bob Kattman, a PhD, & Director of the Office of Charter School at University of Milwaukee. It's nice to know that people like he are teaching our children & grandchildren.
What makes his piece good is that we do get more in return when we decide to give something up. Relinquishing control frees others up to "make mistakes faster", learn, and problem solve creatively. At the same time, we are teaching others to do the same. An open culture results where blame is not needed and folks understand the real mission: win by working together to serve the "customer", serving each other.
Might this be the origin of the word "empower"?
How will you use yours today?
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