As an education leader, you need to set others up for success by entrusting them to make the right decisions. Empowerment is not only about giving our followers the ability to make their own choices; it is about giving them the tools and processes to make those choices effectively and productively. It signals to them that you believe in them, and you are invested in their growth.
How to empower others
It is not about delegating responsibilities; it is about strategically assigning employees tasks that are are a little outside of their ability level. Why? Because as long as they have the aptitude, their capacity and capabilities will expand in a way that will help them complete the assigned task. As a result, they will grow as a leader.
For instance, let’s say that you are the principal of a high school. From time to time, you want to empower the members of your leadership team by entrusting them with tasks that will help them grow. This may include asking one of your assistant principals to be the acting principal when you are out of the building. Or perhaps asking your literacy coach to attend a meeting at a local college. The possibilities are limitless.
By empowering others, you are putting them in a position to grow. As a result, they will become better leaders and go own to do great things. It has been said that the true measure of a leader is the number of leaders that they create. I certainly concur.
Concluding thoughts
Years from now, what will you regard as your biggest accomplishments? For me, my biggest accomplishments are all of the people that I was able to hire, empower, and help to become leaders. Also, all of the K-12 and college students that helped reach their academic potential. None of the books that I have written I have written or the awards that I have won come remotely close. I am not saying that you have to take my approach, but if you have been to the top of the mountain and you don’t help others do the same, what kind of leader are you? In my opinion, a selfish one.
