In a message dated 98-06-08 22:53:34 EDT, john@taylorj.demon.co.uk writes:
> To put a cat among some pigeons, I am personally no longer convinced that
> empowerment really exists. I think that people take power, but are rarely
> given it, indeed, having attained power, few people are anxious to give it
> away.
I could agree that a leader is able to create only the context of
empowerment and that each person chooses to embrace and exercise his or
her potential toward empowerment, depending on the current level of
courage. Consequently, a leader cannot "empower" anyone. A leader can
only set the stage of possibility and enhance the probabilities for
individuals in the group. Depending only upon the individual's
imagination and willingness to be courageous, will he or she move forward
with the self-created vision and take responsibility for outcomes.
Leaders can encourage or discourage this movement but cannot make it
happen for anyone, other than themselves.
Warm regards, David
David L. Hanson, Ph.D.
Consulting Psychologist
Charlotte, NC
Creator of GEMA-Lead 360
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