Power Generators

I am very careful about who i listen to and follow when it comes to leadership.  Some people know about leadership, but have never led.  Others have some really odd ideas about leadership.  But there are a few voices in the crowds that speak truth with clarity and wisdom.  Max Webber is one of them.  The following is from his blog.  I would encourage you to sign up and follow him.  He does not post often but he posts wisely.  Below is just a portion of his post.  You can see it all by clicking here.

Power Generators

In organizations that rely on external power and control to make people perform, the constituents rarely achieve their best. The capacity of individuals and organizations to excel grows when the people do things because they want to, and not because they have to. When people are mere powerless pawns, they feel weak and insignificant. Empowered people, however, possess greater confidence, determination and effectiveness. Exemplary leaders accomplish great things by enabling others to take ownership of and responsibility for the organization’s success.

As the following “formulas” demonstrate, when you give away responsibility you must also give away authority.

What Is Empowerment?

E = R + A + E2
Empowerment = Responsibility + Authority + lots of Encouragement

R – A = F2
Responsibility without Authority produces much Frustration and Failure

E = O
Empowerment = Ownership

Leaders have a choice: they can hold onto their power (authority, responsibility and privilege) and use it purely for selfish ends, or they can give their power away to others. The more power you have, the less you should use, and the more you should give away.....  Read it all!