By Chally Kacelnik
Empowering workers with decision-making authority is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity for fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and driving organisational success. At LKS Quaero, we believe that when workers are trusted to make decisions, they become more engaged, motivated, and aligned with the organisation’s goals.
The Power of Trust and Autonomy
Empowering workers starts with trust. Leaders must trust their team members’ abilities to make informed decisions that benefit the organisation, within the authorities of their roles. This trust fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, motivating workers to perform at their best. When workers feel trusted, they are more likely to take initiative, think creatively, and contribute innovative solutions to complex problems. It’s counterproductive when leaders try and solve every problem themselves; more people equals more ideas.
Organising Authorities for Efficiency
A crucial aspect of empowerment is organising authorities so that decisions are made at the lowest viable level. By decentralising decision-making, organisations can prevent bottlenecks and delays that often result from decisions having to travel up and down the chain of command. This approach not only speeds up the decision-making process, but also allows those closest to the issue to address it promptly and effectively. I often tell the story of the longest process map I ever mapped – 14 pages! It got that way because the CEO wanted multiple points of oversight for a decision that should have sat with line managers.
Encouraging Initiative and Innovation
Giving workers the autonomy to make decisions encourages them to take initiative. When team members are not constantly seeking approval for every action, they can respond more quickly to opportunities and challenges – and they are more likely to want to. Workers who have the freedom to make decisions are more likely to experiment with new ideas and approaches, driving innovation and continuous improvement within the organisation.
Empowered workers are more invested in the success of the organisation. They are keen to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that can lead to better outcomes. By involving workers in decision-making processes, organisations can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that often goes unnoticed. This inclusive approach not only improves processes, but also builds a culture of continuous improvement where every team member feels valued and heard.
Enhancing Worker Engagement and Retention
Empowerment is a key driver of worker engagement and retention. When workers have a say in how they do their work, they are more likely to feel satisfied and committed to their roles. This sense of satisfaction can reduce turnover rates and help organisations retain top talent. Moreover, engaged workers are more productive, contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the organisation.
Making it Work with the Right Development
You might be thinking that it’s all well and good to let people make decisions, but people often don’t have the skills or right information to make it happen. You can make sure this changes. To successfully empower workers, leaders should provide clear guidelines and training to ensure that team members have the skills and knowledge needed to make effective decisions. Regular feedback and open communication are also essential, helping workers feel supported and confident in their decision-making abilities. At LKS Quaero, we teach authorities and accountabilities as a model in our programs to ensure that decisions are made – and work is done – at the right level.
Engaging Managers in Leadership Development
In LKS Quaero’s leadership development programs, we specifically engage participants’ managers in identifying opportunities for participants to make decisions and implement changes that have a meaningful impact on their organisations. This involvement ensures that the models and skills taught in our programs are supported and reinforced at all levels – and bear fruit in real time through practical change.
At LKS Quaero, we understand that empowering workers is a journey that requires commitment and effort. By fostering a culture of trust, initiative, and continuous improvement, and by organising authorities to ensure decisions are made efficiently at the lowest viable level, organisations can unlock their full potential and achieve sustained success.
At LKS Quaero, we enable the right people to do the right work in the right environment. For more information, visit us at lksquaero.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
