Let’s break open the lid on the belief that power must be kept tightly in order to be effective – BULL S#%T!
Power, like abundance and love, multiplies when you give it away.
That is why I cannot understand why leaders are so afraid to share power and empower others.
Power multiples when you give it away – really!
Boleman and Deal wrote in Leading with Soul, “When people have a sense of efficacy and an ability to influence their world, they usually seek to be more productive. They direct their energy and intelligence toward making a contribution rather than obstructing progress or destroying their enemies.” At Saturn automobile factories, employees are empowered to stop the assembly line any time they see something wrong. The employees have pride and ownership in their product and they are the quality control.
Another benefit of shared power is the reduction in conflict. We often suppress our feelings when we feel powerless. When this happens, our anger can only be contained for so long, then the conflict and anger comes spewing out, often times in a rage. Empowered people empower others. In a Love-Based Leadership organization, shared power equals shared ownership. You cannot have one without the other.
Have you empowered someone today? If not, what is holding you back?
With love,
Maria
Content copyright 2012. Dr. Maria J. Church. All rights reserved.