Empowerment??
It isn't so much about handing over positional power, but about
influencing others to hold more personal power over their own lives. As
such, a much lower ranking employee can, in fact, empower a manager. This
is because as people, most of us have a tendency to place blame for
"what's wrong" with our lives outside ourselves.The more we do this, the
less able we are to authentically choose and create how we want our lives
to be. Sometimes, because of the lack of real, internal power, people
seek positional power, wealth, etc to overcompensate. This is, I believe,
the false power. Made up, as it were. I have seen many folks with
positional power who quickly blame others, while their own lives lack
love, intimacy, fulfillment, joy, etc. Do you think such a person is
empowered? I think not! For example, ever hear people saying (or implying)
"Oh, my job would be so great IF only so-and-so didn't (fill in the
blank)" Or, "My marriage would be great if only so-and-so would blah blah
blah." These people are not empowered!
Want to read a book that embodies what true empowerment is all about? Read
Victor Frankl's "Man's Search for Freedom". It was written long before
"empowerment" as a mangement concept was ever conceived; and it doesn't
mention the word. At any rate, it's about a man's experiences in German
concentration camps, and how, despite his circumstance, he was able to
choose his attitude and what his life was going to be about. It's a very
moving story. THIS man was empowered!
The truth is, we can empower ourselves and those around us each day - and
this is regardless of what position is held. We can do this by training
ourselves to be great listeners. We can authentically share ourselves with
those around us. We can actively practice understanding, compassion, and
forgiveness (including with ourselves). We can actively seek to bring out
the best in ourselves and others, and not let our pettiness get in the
way.
Remember, managers need to be empowered, too! It's not about positional
power.
Life is good. Spread the word.
--Kevin Shadix kpshadix@randomc.com
The important thing is are you willing to give up who you are for what you could be? ~ Rene Dubois
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