Empowerment

Empowerment 

Empowerment will make quantum leaps in anyone’s ability to be a leader. Many people cannot share power especially if they are in an authoritative position. Positional power does not readily translate into anyone’s ability to lead. Rather it is a position that can be abused or mishandled by many.

     Take a look in any classroom or board room. Does the teacher or other executive allow the students or participants to become facilitators? If they do, chances are the other people are engaged, and they are taken to higher levels of learning and leading. Share the wealth. Share the power.

     Some people are under the impression that there can only be one leader in the classroom, the building, the business, the school, the district. I guaranty you those schools or organizations operate at lower capacity than those organizations that understand the value of creating leaders through empowerment.

     I have worked in schools and other organizations where top authoritative positions hoard the power. These places will never be successful in the long run until they understand the concept of empowerment to create more leaders. If they do not, a collegial environment is not possible. Keeping control will not achieve organizational goals in the long run. Not only is selfishness boring but it stymies creativity. People are not compelled to take creative risks.

     Likewise, there is no synergy when people hoard the power because people do not want to go above and beyond an average day. Importantly, in successfully empowered environments, people promote and share ideas as well as power.

     Remember that your colleagues should know the consequences for failure then they can improve and move on without a fear of taking a new creative risk. In a school, the price of our failure is the failure of our students. However, through promoting leadership from the top to the bottom then back up to the top, it is alright to take a creative risk if we empower one another.

     The same rings true in any organization. When people are stymied because of disempowerment, then only a few members feel connected. Conversely, people feel unimportant when they are not allowed to be creative through leadership. Do not let the “U-Boat Captains” disempower you.

     A “U-Boat Captain” is someone that sits in the back of the lounge and pulls down his or her periscope every time a new or different idea comes along. Because your idea may be away from the “norm” or it may take some work, “BANG,” they shoot it down. Do not let the U-Boat Captains interrupt your mission under any circumstance. Let them know how you feel. Be empowered; feel empowered; empower others!

If you want to improve your overall climate and culture, contact Contact Dr. R. today to tailor a program that fits your school’s individual needs. 

Dr. Frank Rudnesky draws on his experience as an accomplished teacher, middle school principal, and leader to deliver a powerful message. A happy school outperforms an unhappy school. Bring a positive vibe to your building through leadership opportunities for everyone. As you listen to Dr. R.’s stories of his unconventional journey in education and life, it will get you “Fired Up” to pursue your passion and empower others to find their passion. Secure a speaking date or workshop ASAP.