Empowering Employees November 9, 2011My CareerOff

To empower employees, Honeybaked EVP Maggie DeCan encourages team members to go with their gut, keep communication lines wide open and gives them confidence to make big decisions by letting them take the reins.

“I try to allow my team to do their jobs in whatever manner they feel that they can best achieve the results,” she says. So, why is it important to empower employees?

“Employees are happier, and contribute more value, when they truly and authentically feel empowered,” Jennifer Prosek, CEO of CJP Communications and author of Army of Entrepreneurs, tells PINK.

“Women [often] have to juggle work and family life, making it essential to have employees they can lean on.”

Houston’s Chron reports that empowered employees help reduce costs, provide

improved customer service and are more adept at embracing change. Motivated employees are often more productive, profitable and stay with the company longer. “These are all measurable, bottom line benefits,” says Prosek.

Top tips for women looking to empower their employees? “Over-communicate, provide lots of professional development, say ‘thank you’ a lot” and amplify each team member’s strengths and talents.

Before taking action, Leaders Direct suggests asking yourself if your work environment supports empowerment, what results you desire from the empowerment and when the best times are for these actions to be taken.

What to avoid? Prosek advises against “recruiting only when you need people, and resist the temptation to keep information close to the vest.” Plus, “avoid bureaucracy like the plague.”

Bonus PINK Link: Check out more tips for motivating employees here.

By Caroline Cox

“Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is
empowerment in itself.” Gloria Steinem

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