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Law #12 – The Law of Empowerment
Vocabulary
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grudgingly - doing or giving something reluctantly
antithesis – the complete or exact opposite of something
eccentric – unconventional, especially in a whimsical way
influx – a sudden arrival of a large number of people or things
antagonist – somebody or something opposing or in conflict with another
anxious – worried or afraid, especially about something that is going to happen or might happen
undermine – to weaken something by removing or wearing away material from its base or from
beneath it
8. havoc – widespread damage, destruction, or devastation
9. subordinate – lower than somebody in rank or status
The Law of Empowerment – Only Secure Leaders Give Power to Others
If you want to be successful, you have to be willing to empower others. You must be willing to help others reach
their own personal potential.
Theodore Roosevelt once said: “The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what
he wants done, and the self-restraint enough to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
Henry Ford who did not live by the law of empowerment was reported to have said, “If a guy works for you, don’t let
him get too comfortable. Don’t let him get cozy or set in his ways. Always do the opposite of what he expects.
Keep your people anxious and unbalanced.”
When leaders fail to empower others, it is usually due to three barriers:
1) Their Own Desire for Job Security – The number one enemy of empowerment is the fear of losing what
we have. Weak leaders worry that if they help subordinates, they themselves will become dispensable. They
should realize that if a team that is led by a subordinate succeeds, people will figure out that you, as the
leader, are part of the success.
Can you work yourself out of a job? Maybe in the short term. If you KEEP empowering others, you will
develop a pattern of achievement, excellence and leadership which will be recognized.
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Their Resistance to Change – Most people don’t like change. As a leader, you must train yourself to
embrace change, to desire it, and to make a way for it. Effective leaders are not only willing to change; they
become change agents.
Is change always good? Don’t change for the sake of change but change when good ideas come from
people around you. Don’t lose touch with those who work with you!
3) Their Lack of Self-Worth – Weak self-conscious people are rarely good leaders. They focus on
themselves, worrying how they look, what others think, and whether they are liked. They rarely give power
to others because they feel that they have no power themselves. The best leaders have a strong self-worth.
They believe in themselves, their mission and their people.
How do I gain self-worth? Concentrate on your previous successes and build on that.
What’s the difference between encouragement and empowerment as it pertains to leadership?
Encouragement means to give courage while empowerment means to give power to another person.
What’s the difference between motivation and empowerment as it pertains to leadership? Motivation means
to inspire or to bring someone up emotionally while empowerment means to give power to another person.
Strange as it sounds, great leaders gain authority by giving it away. If you aspire to be a great leader, you must live
by the Law of Empowerment.
Build your Leadership Qualities, one at a time.
Teachability – To keep leading, keep learning
Value your listening time at roughly 10 times your talking time. This will assure you that you are on a course of
continuous learning and self-improvement – Gerald McGinnis, President and CEO of Respironics, Inc.
Leaders face the dangers of contentment and becoming complacent. This leader possesses influence and has
achieved a level of respect and thinks, “Why should I keep growing when I am already successful??????”
Building on truths:
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Your growth determines who you are (Law of Process)
Who you are determines who you attract (Law of Magnetism)
Who you attract determines the success of your organization (Law of Inner Circle)
If you want to grow your organization, you must be teachable (Law of the Lid)
Five Guidelines to Help you cultivate and maintain a teachable attitude:
Cure your destination disease – Some people mistakenly believe that if they can accomplish a particular goal, they
no longer have to grow. It can happen with almost anything: earning a degree, reaching a desired position,
receiving a particular award, or achieving a financial goal. Effective leaders cannot afford to think this way.
Overcome your success – Effective leaders know that what brought them there doesn’t keep them there.
Swear-off shortcuts – As you desire to grow in a particular area, figure out what it will really take, including the
price, and then determine to pay for it.
Trade in your Pride – Teachability requires us to admit we don’t know everything, and that can make us look bad.
If we keep learning, there is a possibility we will make mistakes!
Never Pay Twice for the Same Mistake – Always LEARN from the mistakes you make!
To improve your teachability, do the following:
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Observe how you react to mistakes – Do you admit your mistakes? Do you apologize when appropriate?
Are you defensive? If so, you need to work on your teachability.
Try something new – Some people get into a rut of negativity because they feel they are not making
progress. A pattern of positive achievement will help you develop a pattern of positive thinking.
Learn in your area strength – Read leadership books or areas that you really excel in. Continuing to
learn makes you that much better and more teachable in the future!