Empowerment and Encouragement: The Winning Combination

Are you a menacing micro-manager or a motivational master? The job duties of anyone in management should be first and foremost oversight. Some managers, especially in retail selling like to get their hands dirty with the employees and show them “how its done.” After all, you probably earned your position by being the best! The question is, “Is this the most efficient use of your time?” Arguably in some cases, yes, it is appropriate to lead by example. The problem lies with micromanagement; doing the job just because you are the best at it, or worse yet, because you want things done exactly your way.

There is a misconception here. That is, that you think your own way is the best way. It’s not. “How can you make that generalization? You don’t even know my business!” I don’t have to. All I have to look at is the growth of innovation over history. There will always be a better way, maybe it just hasn’t been discovered yet. Here is a suggestion on how to immediately increase your efficiency and lessen your workload, freeing you up for the more important, higher level managerial functions (that you were hired to do).

1. Grant as much decision-making ability to employees as possible
2. Make a rule simply defining the extent of their power (ie. Solve all customer problems that cost under $50 by yourself, Arrange my flights avoiding all red-eye flights or regional jets)

Wait, no step three? Nope, it’s too simple. By empowering your employees you can expect to see rapid decreases in employee requests, rapid increases in customer satisfaction, dramatic increase in employee morale, and a whole LOT of time on your own hands! Does it sound risky? Just try it for one week and see what happens.

Oh, there is one more thing… and this one may sting a little. Don’t get down on your employee when he doesn’t do something the way you would have done it. If it costs a little more money, if it inconveniences you a bit (or a lot), the worst thing you can do is reprimand someone for following your direction (or lack of direction). You might as well strip all autonomy from them completely because they will do nothing before asking your permission first.

If you wish to handle every detail of every operation and watch your company sink into a black hole: Be unwaveringly picky. Otherwise, give a dose of power to your people and pat them on the back for using it. Your employees, your customers, and your boss, will love you for it.

Have you taken your team for an empowerment test run? Share your stories below!