Thursday, July 24, 2014

How to Empower People: Tips for Managers



Companies widely rely on the employees. When employees feel that they are empowered, they are able to generate great results for their team and/or department. In most organisations, managers are the ones responsible for empowering their people, and providing them the tools they need to function in their tasks and responsibilities. If managers don't empower employees, it may result in unhappy people and very low level of performance.

Here is a helpful guide to empowering people:

1. Assign tasks and duties according to skill. Avoid giving assignments that are not within an employee's skill level, as this tends to create doubt within the employee and significantly decreases his self-confidence. Assign the work and make yourself available to attend to or answer any of his questions.

2. Listen to your employees. Pay close attention to any suggestions or complaints. It's very much possible that your employees understand their duties and responsibilities better than you do. Listen to their ideas and views on how to make their jobs easier. Recognize the individuals who share ideas that deserve to be applied. Acknowledging them both privately and publicly boosts their spirits.

3. Communicate to them. Talk to them regarding any changes the department or the whole organisation may experience. Although you don't want to unveil plans too soon, making sure they are informed shows you really care about their well-being. Converse with them once in a while to know their satisfaction levels about the whole company.

4. Assign decision-making responsibilities to those who prove themselves to be effective and capable of taking on greater projects. Managers should establish an environment that supports the decision making process, which could help employees to empower themselves.

5. Build a positive work environment. Establish policies that could help in this endeavor. Avoid dictatorship. Employees tend to be more open to directions when they feel they're an essential part of a team. When the contributions of employees are valued, they would be able to generate excellent results.

6. Show that you appreciate what they do for the company. Recognize them when they've accomplished a challenging task or done the extra mile. For example, if someone reaches his sales quota, show appreciation by sending a note or email of congratulations or giving a bonus or incentive.

7. Provide valuable resources. Equip them with the right technological resources training and tools they need to produce best results. If you don't have these, seek help from those who do. Visit the website of Verve Potential to know how professional leadership and management skills program can help you empower your employees and help them perform their best at work.