Keep in mind that you need to crawl before you walk, and walk before you run. You cannot go from 0% to 100% instantly. You have to start by laying a proper foundation.
The foundation of empowerment starts with ENABLEMENT.
o It means that on the one hand, you need to have the confidence and self-belief in your capabilities to succeed (defined as self-efficacy) and
o On the other hand, you need to be properly equipped to carry out the necessary actions.
In other words, do you have the necessary resources at hand to do what is required and do you have the requisite competencies to execute these actions?
But you might be aware that empowerment does not happen without OWNERSHIP.
o It means that on the one hand, ‘responsibility’ and ‘accountability’ have to be effectively assigned and
o On the other hand, the ‘authority’ to carry out the necessary actions has been clearly delegated.
This reminds me of a recent LinkedIn post by Simon Sinek. He said “We often hear the phrase ‘we must hold people accountable’ – but this often means we haven’t created the right environment for people to take ownership.”
Ultimately, you not only want to be properly enabled, equipped and empowered to take ownership, but you want to do what needs to be done because you expect it of yourself. Your ownership now springs from the intrinsic motivation of personal pride.
I believe we all have something unique to offer and deserve the chance to find our own unique place in this world where we can be extraordinary. If you feel stuck on your path to true empowerment and turning your dreams into reality, please feel free to reach out to me by completing the contact form. To get a sense of how I can help you as an enablement coach and mentor, please visit the rest of my website.
Let’s not fall into the trap of bestowing (or being given) ‘empowerment’ and ‘ownership’ without taking real meaningful action.
Sources: Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
& https://www.slideshare.net/adeemsyed/team-building-employee-empowerment.
#empowerment #ownership #enablement #ikigai #purposeandmeaning #m3perspectives