<aside> 📣 The disconnect between leadership and employees is more prevalent than the wider corporate world would like to let on.

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To reach goals and achieve employees need to be empowered in a way which aligns not only with the organisation's goals but their own personal career goals! The employee not only needs support and resources but also autonomy in order for them to have accountability for the end result.

On an Employee Level

Empowered workers drive an organisation's success and it is important leadership stick to their word when it comes to empowerment so everyone involved can reap the rewards. There is a multitude of things leaders need to consider when it comes to empowering employees to achieve or take on more responsibility.

Leadership’s Role:

• Leaders need to consider the employee's personal schedule, and help them work around unavoidable commitments to achieve a healthy work-life balance and empowerment.
• Leadership need to understand the difference between status and expertise, as each team member can contribute unique expertise to a project and it is important that these contributions are valued, reassured and not undermined.
• It is important for leaders to understand that employees’ values may differ slightly from the company and they should consider this when approaching discussion. Leaders should take the time to learn and understand these personal values, and find a way to adjust their method of communication with this person so that their discussions and the methods of empowerment are guided by and reflect these unique set of values.

Communication

Foundations of trust and open communication are also essential for a team to not only support each other but feel they have someone to rely on for guidance when they are learning new things. Consistent exercise or meetings can be one initiative to open up a space for trust and communication. These discussions can allow for a more strategic delegation of responsibilities and create a space where employees can reach out for guidance or resources if need be.

When it comes to values

Leaders should make a point to show employees how their work can also align with their unique values and help them find an approach to reaching their goals which makes them feel most motivated and empowered. This way the employee can connect emotionally to their work by growing a sense of pride in their day-to-day activities and goals.

Expectations, Feedback & Rewards

These are the 3 key things to consider when empowering your team!

It should be clear between team members and team leaders what expectations are! An employee may feel like their skills are mismatched to a certain new responsibility or task, so make sure there it is also a clear way they can approach their team lead to ask for help.

It is crucial to the success of any task that team members and leaders are aligned and have a constructive attitude towards mistakes, as at the end of the day these are just opportunities to teach and learn for everyone. If a team member has maybe made a decision you would not have made yourself, use this as an opportunity for feedback. Understand why they made this decision in the first place, explain what decision you would have made instead and why, and work with everyone to keep on the same path towards your end goal.

Acknowledge and reward successes and have a constructive attitude and approach to things that didn't quite work out according to plan. Incentivise your team to succeed, and make sure they feel like their work and effort are valued. You want these skills and talent you have cultivated to stay in your team and with your company in the long term.