Before I get into the heart of any presentation or workshop, I share a bit about myself. The part I am always the most excited about is when I describe how I partner with organizations to create cultures of empowerment. Eyes and ears usually perk up at that point as participants often ask me: “That sounds great, but how can we feel empowered in this work environment?” A smile comes across my face, as I calmly speak: “Today is a first step in learning more about empowerment. I am an advocate for you and hope to show you how some new tools and perspectives can begin a path to becoming empowered leaders.”
We have a choice when it comes to empowerment: Do we own who we are or do we give away our authority?
Being an empowered leader isn’t just about empowering others; it is about how each of us embraces our best self. It is about understanding our core and being generous enough to share it.
[Tweet “Empowered leaders understand their core values.”]
Here are some strategies to becoming empowered:
KNOW YOUR CORE VALUES
Understanding what is important to each of us and what drives our every choice and decision isn’t easy. Our values evolve over time from childhood and can change as we grow. Think about what is non-negotiable in your leadership and life. If you were to put on a compass what always points you in the right direction, what would that be?
LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE
Even though we may not want to admit it, we all talk to ourselves. What is it you say that propels you forward and allows you to take action?
- Dump the negative chatter for more positive messages
- Avoid being sabotaged by trusting your gut
- Grab your successful history and bring it into the present
- Honor your wisdom
OPEN UP YOUR THINKING
When we are empowered, we are able to hear different perspectives and not feel insecure. In fact, we not only welcome new ideas and suggestions, but we are able to add to them and promote them. So what if the original concept didn’t come from your mouth? Practice listening to what others say by not interrupting and instead focus on what the other person is saying. Don’t jump to conclusions before a complete thought is shared. By listening strategically we not only empower ourselves, but we also empower others to feel valued.
[Tweet “When we are empowered, we embrace diverse opinions. “]
CREATE AN EMPOWERED MANTRA
A fun way to cultivate our empowerment is to think of a theme that describes our empowerment. It can be a phrase such as: “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself” or a metaphor like: “ My leadership is an open book that has had many twists and plots”. When we can connect with our leadership in an alternative way we can gain insights into our empowerment and authority.
How have you made empowerment your way to lead? Download these exercises or contact me to help you and your team become more empowered.
Great article Terri! And so important to remind leaders that their job is to create more leaders by empowering those on their teams.
Too often I’ve seen leaders intimidated by the thought that they might be replaced by someone else who overshadowed their own talent. This is leading from a place of weakness, not strength.
A good team-builder is always in demand.
We feed the future leadership pipeline by helping others see their value. The starting place to do that is understanding first what are our core values and why we make the choices we do. Leading begins with each of us zeroing in how we impact our team and the people around us. Asking what we stand for and why is essential.
I agree LaRae that strong leaders are not threatened by talented people. They are open minded enough to realize how much they can learn from them.
Thanks for your great additions LaRae!
It’s funny, a few years ago I would have said that mantras were too woo-woo for the business world. I can happily say, I was wrong. Love that you suggest that people create an empowerment mantra, a few words to remind them of who they want to be as a leader who is both empowered and empowering.
It’s interesting, I know a lot of people who felt boxed in at work and really craved empowerment from their leaders. Unfortunately, fast forward a few years, when they got into those leadership positions they replayed old tapes of what leadership looked like and they neglected to empower themselves and others.
Let this serve as permission for leaders everywhere! Thanks, Terri! Will share!
The key to empowered leadership is first empowering ourselves with strong messages and the authority to be the best leader we can be. We can’t help others become empowered unless we embrace the idea of owning our actions and being generous sharing them. This is where many leaders run into challenges; they must first work on understanding their worth.
Mantras are a guidepost for many leaders today if they reflect an individual’s honest outlook and view. When empowerment mantras become part of a leader’s fabric, they help leaders make decisions and choices more consistently.
Thanks Alli for your awesome insights!