What’s the opposite of feeling empowered?
It’s the frustration of not knowing what’s expected. The stress of making decisions without guidance. The isolation of not being included in important conversations. These are some of the most common frustrations team members experience every day:
– “I don’t have enough information to do this job.”
– “I’m not confident I’m making the right choices.”
– “I don’t have the authority to do this.”
– “I wish I had more guidance.”
– “I’m not included in the conversation.”
– “I’m being micromanaged.”
These moments aren’t just inconveniences, they’re signs of disempowerment. Over time, these moments chip away at engagement, trust, and performance.
What Does It Mean to Empower Someone?
Empowerment is more than delegating tasks or handing out responsibilities. It means giving people the power to act, build, and accomplish something, confidently and effectively.
That power comes from having the right tools and support systems in place. Tools that:
– Increase confidence and comfort
– Enhance effectiveness
Four Elements of Empowerment
Based on the Everything DiSC® framework, effective empowerment includes four key elements:
– Authority – Freedom to make decisions and take ownership
– Connections – Access to the right people and conversations
– Guidance – Encouragement, feedback, and support
– Clarity – Clear expectations, systems, and information
Each person tends to crave the element that aligns with their DiSC style, but they need all four to truly thrive. Some may resist what doesn’t come naturally, but that’s often where growth and effectiveness take root.
Empowerment in Action: One Style’s Perspective
Take someone with an S style, for example. They typically value stability and collaboration, and they may hesitate to take charge without clear direction. Empowering them means offering encouragement, providing structure, and creating a safe space to learn and ask for help.
But even S styles benefit from the other elements, like building connections across teams or taking ownership of small initiatives that grow their confidence.
How Are You Empowering Your Team?
Think about your team members. What do they naturally seek and what might they be missing?
– Are you offering both comfort and stretch?
– Are you creating space for confidence and independence?
– What will you do differently to help someone feel more empowered?
Ready to Go Deeper?
Empowering Your Team is one of several modules available through Everything DiSC® Worksmart, a flexible, practical way to build stronger teams. Other modules include Giving Constructive Feedback and Managing Conflict, with more to come this summer.
This is just a glimpse of what’s inside.
Want to learn more?
Contact info@resourcesunlimited.com to explore how Worksmart can support your team’s growth and success.
