Is there Love in Leadership?

Is there Love in Leadership? – by Arnie Wohlgemut

Empowerment is an essential skill for all effective leaders. Whether your staff performs in the top 20% or in the middle 60%, they all appreciate being empowered.

Delegation is NOT empowerment – not even close.

Delegation is a transaction based on need. We delegate a task, maybe even authority to make a decision while we’re on vacation.

Most often delegation is based on seniority and almost always has some performance parameters. We articulate clear responsibilities and actions needed when we delegate. I have often delegated tasks to staff because they could do it better and faster than I could.

But that is not empowerment.

First, empowerment is an expression of love. (Yes, I’m talking about love in a leadership blog!)

This is a love for the person. You love what they do for you and for your organization.

You’ve spent time with them and you understand each other. You see potential in them and are willing to help them grow through experience. They understand the vision, the hopes and the expectations you have for them.

Secondly, empowerment is a reflection of your self-awareness.

I’m the type of person who loves to lead. A take charge type of guy. I learned the hard way that I can’t do everything. I’ve often said the world doesn’t need another Arnie (and those who know me say it’s a scary thought).

The world needs people who can identify the spark, nurture it into a flame while getting out of the way.

I learned that I can love and respect a person enough to complete the project or assignment in their own way. I am aware of my leadership tendency and know when to get out of the way.

If I truly value them and value what they do for me, I need to set my ego aside.

The way someone else accomplishes a goal may look different from they way I would do it. The path to the goal may take a whole new route, but if the outcome is effective, who cares?

I’ve never heard someone boast about having responsibility delegated to them.

I’ve heard people boast about a project or assignment they completed with full authority and support from their boss.

Wouldn’t you want your name attached to that?