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When I was a little girl one of my favorite trips was to visit my grandparents in Brooklyn. I made this drive almost weekly from New Jersey with my twin sister. My mother would pack up all of our stuff and head back to the place she was raised and felt most comfortable. My grandparents were immigrants and lived in the same apartment that my mother grew up in with her two brothers. My father always worked on Saturdays so he would never join us. It was just my mother and the “girls” escaping the suburbs and entering the surreal world of old.

I loved these visits because my sister and I were transported to customs and foods of my mother’s past. We were introduced to deli, knishes and the biggest pickles you ever saw. Although these delicacies were a big draw, the best part of these excursions was going to the local park. Each part of Brooklyn had its own smaller play area for the kids. The metal swings and slide were hot in the summer but never seemed to bother us. My twin and I felt like we owned the park- it was ours for the taking. That is not to say that anyone ever argued over equipment because there was plenty, we just sensed it was a comfortable, approachable and exciting place we couldn’t wait to explore. I felt empowered to discover, try new things and be myself within a community I belonged.

[Tweet “Empowered leaders are authentic and have a strong sense of belonging.”]

Imagine if teams, organizations or collaborations could cultivate a similar environment where each person felt empowered. Imagine a comfortable place that you looked forward to going routinely, where you felt a sense of belonging and worth. That work world can exist and must exist for talented leaders to stay and flourish. Here’s the kind of playground we need to lead:

 A place where people feel important

Just like my sister and I felt in “my grandmother’s park”, everyone needs to feel they are valued and worthy. Leaders who show their teams that they matter and their very being and work contributions are appreciated, empower others to lead.

[Tweet “Empowered leaders cultivate future leadership in others.”]

A place where people feel safe

Maslow spoke of a hierarchy of needs that includes a desire for safety and belonging. When we sense that our physical and emotional requirements are met, we are more able to move ahead into deeper exploration and connection with others.

A place where people are excited

There’s nothing like the thrill of a swing going high or being challenged with a meaningful project. Work that’s stimulating and a team who we can enjoy having lunch or coffee with is the best. When both our job responsibilities and the people we see daily bring us joy, we feel empowered to perform.

A place where new ideas are welcomed

Being open-minded and willing to listen to new perspectives empowers leaders to grow and make important discoveries. We all want our ideas and opinions to be considered and integrated into our team’s end result. When we see that our suggestions are part of the bigger project, we feel empowered to contribute even more.

Are you an empowered leader? How do you help empower others to be their best?

 

 

 

 

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