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What does it really mean to be an empowered leader – to bring liberating leadership through high support, high challenge, and continuing to fight for the highest possible good of those they’ve been given to serve?

Well, it’s not about commanding or dominating the room – that’s for sure!

It’s about cultivating trust, calling others up (not out), and creating space for every voice to be heard.

This past week, I’ve been reflecting on the word EMPOWERED, and how the word can serve as a blueprint for liberating leadership.

Here’s what I came up with.

Nine Characteristics of Empowering Leadership

• E – Equip others to thrive, not merely survive. Liberating, empowered leaders, invest in their team’s growth. It’s a non-negotiable for them.
• M – Model integrity in every action they perform and in every decision they make. Leadership starts with our example for others, not our Job Title.
• P – Practice active listening. They truly hear others, and therefore, build trust, connection, and increase their influence.
• O – Offer help before it’s asked for. Empowered leaders have learned to anticipate the needs of their team and organization, and they choose to serve intentionally.
• W – Walk alongside, not ahead. The best leaders journey with their people, and are driven by a shared, organizational purpose.
• E – Empathize deeply. They naturally understand the heart behind the work and the people doing it. Long ago, I learned that as a leader myself, I would rather have empathy for my team members, and err on the side of grace with them, than to be wrong.
• R – Respect every voice. Empowerment comes when everyone feels seen and heard. My 5 Voices for Teams process helps leaders and organizations do this.
• E – Encourage consistently. A timely word can fuel a team more than you know. Practice discernment, and use your words wisely and with intention.
• D – Develop others into leaders. Empowered leadership is about multiplying your impact, and growing others.

In Conclusion…

At the end of the day, great leaders aren’t remembered for what they take—but for what they choose to intentionally give. So, let’s choose to lead with humility, courage, purpose, intention, and empowerment this week.

And if you’re ready to create a culture where every voice is truly valued and heard, and where teams operate in sync, I invite you to explore my 5 Voices for Teams communication and leadership training process.

It’s a game changer.

Let’s choose to lead EMPOWERED.

How’s this week’s #EmpowermentMonday resonating with you? Where would you like to be more intentional this week? Less accidental? Share your take in the Comments.

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