This article is a summary of the article "Whoever They Are, Wherever They Are: Empowering Everyone You Lead" published in 2021 in Harvard Business Publishing.
Great leaders create great teams, while poor leaders often have teams that struggle, even when team members have tremendous potential. This potential often remains untapped because the best leaders make a purposeful choice to empower every individual they lead. Empowering others allows individuals to flourish and enables the group to function smoothly and efficiently.
Here are key steps to truly empower others and unify your team around a shared purpose:
1. Get to Know Your People
Empowerment starts with understanding your team members as individuals. When you meet with them one-on-one, whether casually or formally, ask questions to learn about their goals, aspirations, and hidden talents. Listen more than you talk, but also share your own experiences and challenges to build rapport. Sharing personal stories and learning about their interests outside of work helps in bonding, but be mindful not to overstep boundaries.
Avoid favoritism by ensuring that personal affinities do not influence professional decisions. Both "affinity bias" (favoring those similar to us) and "confirmation bias" (seeking information that confirms our initial impressions) should be consciously avoided. Observe how team members approach their work and interact with peers, and use these insights to provide growth opportunities.
2. Inclusivity Matters
Inclusivity is crucial in leadership. Every team member should have equal opportunities to engage with you and to take on challenging assignments. Your behavior sets the tone for the team; inclusive leaders create inclusive teams. Research shows that teams with inclusive leaders are significantly more likely to perform well and collaborate effectively. Acting inclusively encourages your team to do the same, fostering a welcoming and high-performing environment.
3. Empowering Across Distances
Leading a dispersed team, especially in today's remote work environment, presents unique challenges. Whether team members are working from home or across different time zones, it's essential to unite them around a common purpose. Frequent and targeted communication is key. Share updates on team goals, competitive insights, key milestones, client feedback, and accomplishments. Additionally, plan virtual events for team bonding and encourage informal interactions to build connections.
Empowering everyone you lead, regardless of their location, is vital. This approach not only benefits the team but also enhances your effectiveness as a leader. By getting to know your team, promoting inclusivity, and maintaining strong communication, you can create a cohesive and empowered team.
To find the complete article on the subject:
https://www.harvardbusiness.org/whoever-they-are-wherever-they-are-empowering-everyone-you-lead/