Venchito Tampon

Empowering Leadership: Strategies to Inspire and Motivate Teams

Empowering leadership is about enabling individuals to perform their best while fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and capable. 

You can have the most skilled direct reports, but without empowerment, trust-building, growth, and innovation wouldn't happen in your organization.

Leaders who empower their teams focus on clear communication, shared goals, and continuous development. 

What is Empowering Leadership?

Empowering leadership involves giving team members the tools, resources, and authority they need to succeed. 

It means trusting employees to make decisions and supporting them as they take ownership of their tasks. It is about creating an atmosphere of confidence and motivation. It is more ideal than it is written, but when there is empowerment in leadership, it assists people in doing the best they can (their fullest potential), which drives their individual and team performance. 

At its core, empowering leadership shifts the focus from command and control to collaboration and shared accountability. Leaders encourage their teams to take initiative, learn from mistakes, and build on their strengths.

Benefits of Empowering Leadership

Empowering leadership has several positive outcomes for individuals and organizations:

Increased Employee Engagement

Empowered employees feel a sense of ownership in their work. They are more likely to stay motivated and invested in achieving goals. 

You may have seen someone engaged at work, and when asked if they enjoy what they do, you’ll notice in their body language how true their answers are. That’s how empowerment can affect employee engagement.

Better Decision-Making

By delegating authority, leaders enable their teams to make timely decisions through team training. This reduces delays and improves problem-solving.

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen among leaders in many organizations as we conduct leadership training programs is the lack of autonomy for most of their subordinates. 

As they lead people, leaders tend to micromanage every task (down to every detail), which negatively affects how subordinates perceive their work and their boss’ leadership.

Empowering leadership helps the leaders make decisions for the team and enables their subordinates to solve problems and make decisions on their own.

Stronger Team Relationships

Empowerment fosters collaboration. Teams that work together and support each other are more productive and cohesive.

It helps build trust that high-performing teams have in common (based on several studies). Relationships that almost become sour tend to reconnect for the purpose of teamwork and the organization's goals. It may not be as magic as many speakers would say, but I believe that empowerment can strengthen any professional relationship if used as leverage. 

Higher Innovation Levels

When employees feel valued, they are more likely to contribute creative ideas. Creativity comes from having a safe space for innovation.

We’ve tested this in SharpRocket, Rainmakers, and Hills and Valleys Cafe companies. What I’ve found to be a contributing factor to innovation is allowing your team members to make decisions for themselves.

Without constraints at a certain point, people can think of new ideas and insights to improve processes and make their work more efficient and effective. Ideas usually get kicked out when a boss only wants to give up his opinions.

With empowering leadership, you won’t see that happening, as leaders value their subordinates’ opinions and bring their next-level ideas to the table. 

Improved Organizational Performance

When all points covered above were affected by empowering leadership, organizations would eventually get better overall results. 

Of course, that won’t happen in an instant, but as the team continues to innovate, strengthen relationships, and produce results that contribute to achieving the organization's goals, you can expect improvements in organizational performance as well.

Empowered teams deliver quality work and adapt quickly to challenges.

Key Traits of an Empowering Leader

Leaders who empower their teams share several key traits. These traits help them build trust, inspire confidence, and drive success:

Clear Communication

Empowering leaders communicate goals and expectations clearly - learn about 5 functions of communication. They ensure that team members understand their roles and responsibilities.

Being clear about what you want and how to achieve it gives a solid message to your team. Subordinates follow their managers and supervisors not only because of their actions but also because of every word they speak (which corresponds to their daily actions). Effective communication is a crucial area we teach in our management training programs. Without this core skill, leaders won’t be able to empower their teams. 

Trust in Team Members

Leaders who empower their teams trust employees to handle tasks independently. This trust builds confidence and loyalty.

Leaders have different views on trust-building. Some see it as a weakness that others can manipulate to their own interests. Others see trust as a glue that binds teams.

My strong belief is that leaders can only empower their teams if they first trust their team members. Then, they would be able to delegate tasks and decisions that matter to personal and organizational goals. 

Encouragement of Growth

Empowering leaders invest in their team development. They provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for skill-building. 

For instance, I’ve seen some of our clients (HR and Learning and Development personnel) ask or receive requests from senior leaders to look for and hire corporate training providers to conduct leadership training and other soft skills programs, such as problem-solving and decision-making, sales and marketing, presentation skills, critical thinking, strategic thinking, and many more. 

This shows how necessary training is for these leaders. They don’t just speak about it, they take action to level up their team members. 

Adaptability

Empowering leaders adjust their approach to meet the needs of their teams. They are flexible and open to feedback.

In today’s knowledge world, cognitive flexibility is a critical skill for any leader who faces different work challenges. The ability to look around, find patterns, and implement solutions becomes a crucial part of their leadership. 

Recognition of Contributions

These leaders celebrate achievements and acknowledge hard work. Recognition boosts morale and motivates employees to excel.

Leaders must decide when and what to celebrate with their teams. A rewards system (not always monetary) helps the team achieve quick wins and create the momentum they need to excel further in their work. 

Strategies to Implement Empowering Leadership

Adopting an empowering leadership style requires intentional actions. Below are practical strategies to help leaders empower their teams:

1. Delegate Effectively

Assign tasks and decisions based on each team member’s strengths and skills. Provide the necessary resources and clear instructions. 

Trust employees to complete their tasks without constant oversight.

Step back and see what your team can do. As mentioned earlier, delegation requires trust, which would define whether or not you truly delegate. 

2. Encourage Open Communication

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. 

Actively listen to feedback and address issues promptly. Do not be too emotional when receiving feedback, as it can get in the way of making decisions. Be objective as much as possible and learn from your subordinates’ successes and mistakes.

Given that they’re involved in their technical work daily, they face common challenges for which they may formulate solutions based on their actual experience. 

3. Provide Development Opportunities

Offer training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. 

Help employees acquire new skills that align with their goals and the organization’s needs. Leaders learn, unlearn, and relearn (as I always say in my seminars). Leaders who don’t pursue active and passive learning will be irrelevant and obsolete in the coming years.

However, leaders who strive for excellence and, over time, become more curious to learn new things will always sustain their success. 

4. Set Clear Goals

Define specific, measurable, and achievable goals. 

Ensure team members understand how their work contributes to the organization’s success.

Break down goals into meaningful tasks so your team members can achieve quick wins and create momentum for themselves. 

5. Recognize Achievements

Acknowledge individual and team successes. 

Celebrate milestones and express gratitude for their efforts.

6. Foster a Positive Work Environment

Promote a culture of respect and collaboration. Address conflicts constructively and maintain a supportive atmosphere.

7. Encourage Risk-Taking

Allow employees to experiment and take calculated risks. Let them learn from mistakes without fear of criticism.

Steps to Transition to Empowering Leadership

Transitioning to empowering leadership involves a shift in mindset and behavior. Leaders can follow these steps to make the change:

1. Assess Current Leadership Style

Identify areas where the current approach lacks empowerment. Pinpoint opportunities for improvement. Ask yourself, are there any areas where I need to trust more of my subordinates? And learn to step back so they can step up and make decisions.

2. Develop Trust

Build trust by being transparent and reliable. Demonstrate confidence in your team’s abilities.

3. Encourage Participation

Involve employees in decision-making processes. Seek their input and value their contributions.

4. Set the Example

Model the behavior you want to see in your team. Show respect, accountability, and a willingness to learn.

5. Provide Consistent Feedback

Offer constructive feedback to guide employees while encouraging their growth.

6. Monitor Progress

Track the effectiveness of empowerment strategies. Use employee surveys and performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.

The Future of Empowering Leadership

As workplaces evolve, empowering leadership will play an increasingly important role. Organizations prioritizing empowerment will be better equipped to adapt to challenges and seize opportunities. Empowered teams are resilient, creative, and committed to success.

In summary, empowering leadership fosters trust, encourages growth, and creates a supportive environment. Leaders who adopt this approach can inspire their teams to achieve remarkable outcomes. By focusing on empowerment, leaders enhance individual performance and drive organizational success.

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by Venchito Tampon

What is Leadership To You?

Leadership, to me, is about change and movement. 

That’s just me. Others have their definitions and points of view about leadership. 

Leadership is often one of the most discussed topics, yet different schools of thought exist on what it is about. 

Truthfully, the concept and definition of leadership are based on the author’s or person’s point of view, based on his experience, expertise, and observation of others' ways of leadership. In our leadership training, we teach different views and principles of leadership, which we will explore today.

What is Leadership To You?

Leadership is Influence

Dr. John Maxwell, one of the foremost authorities on leadership, once said, "Leadership is influence." 

Maxwell’s assertion that “leadership is influence” is a foundation for understanding how leaders create change and movement. Influence is the ability to impact the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of others. 

Influence isn’t about wielding the power of authority. Instead, it’s about earning trust, consulting others for insights, demonstrating integrity, and inspiring others to believe in your vision. They don’t display any manipulative actions such as power tripping.

Before you ask for a hand, you first touch the heart—another famous saying from the leadership guru Maxwell. 

In his book Five Levels of Leadership, he created a framework for moving from a position-level of leadership to achieving a pinnacle-level of leadership, where a leader is followed by people because of who he is and what he represents.

More than a person’s level of competence and results he achieved for the organization, a great leader, based on Maxwell’s school of thought, is someone who has done great development for the people they lead

One of the classic examples of leaders who gained respect in his organization is Steve Jobs. Jobs didn’t just tell his team what to do; he inspired them to think differently and believe in the impossible. His influence was rooted in his passion, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Pro Tip: Build and strengthen relationships with direct reports so you can connect from the heart and inspire them to do their best work. 

Leadership as Change

As I mentioned earlier, I believe leadership is about driving change. Great leaders recognize that the status quo is never enough; there’s always room for growth, improvement, and innovation. 

They have a vision of what could be and work to transform it into reality. This vision-driven change isn’t about making arbitrary shifts; it’s about creating meaningful and sustainable progress. 

Leaders like Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. epitomize change-driven leadership. They didn't just talk about what needed to change—they lived, breathed, and inspired others to do the same. 

For instance, Mandela’s leadership was about dismantling apartheid, Gandhi’s leadership focused on independence through non-violence, and King’s leadership championed civil rights and equality. 

They showed that authentic leadership isn’t about maintaining the status quo; it’s about challenging norms and inspiring others to envision a different, often better future.

Pro Tip: Inspire change in your teams by turning the vision into reality.  

Leadership as Movement

Aside from reinforcing change, leadership is also about making a movement. It may sound like it’s only applicable to government and non-profit organizations, but creating and pursuing a movement also applies to leaders in the corporate world. The movement represents leaders' dynamic action to steer their teams, organizations, or communities toward a shared objective. It involves setting direction, making decisions, and taking steps that propel everyone forward. 

Leaders create momentum by turning ideas into actionable steps. They set the vision and build the pathway to achieving it, ensuring everyone is moving in the same direction.

Leadership is a Journey

For many, leadership is a journey. It involves change, movement, influence, and the ability to serve others. It requires vision, emotional intelligence, integrity, and authenticity. 

Consider Elon Musk's example. His leadership isn’t just about dreaming of electric cars or exploring Mars; it’s about mobilizing vast teams of people, resources, and technology to make these seemingly impossible goals a reality. 

Musk creates movement, which turns his vision into a tangible, step-by-step journey. This illustrates that leadership is more than having ideas—it’s about generating the energy, enthusiasm, and coordinated action needed to turn those ideas into a reality.

Pro Tip: Love the process as much as you love creating results for your team and organization. By loving the process, you will grow and improve your competence and character as you lead your teams. 

Leadership as Service

This may be the last on this list, but it is the most widely known concept of leadership.

Leadership is service. Servant leadership is meeting people's needs and helping them grow. Servant leaders prioritize their team members' well-being, development, and empowerment. They lead by example, demonstrating humility, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Leaders like Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi embodied servant leadership. Their leadership wasn’t about authority or personal gain but about uplifting others and positively impacting them. By putting the needs of others first, they built trust and inspired countless individuals to follow their lead.

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by Venchito Tampon

Personal Leadership: Cultivating Integrity, Vision, and Self-Awareness

Personal leadership is not about holding a title or position over others—it's about leading by example, living out your values, and inspiring others through your actions.

It is leading people based on calling, character, and competence. Without these, leading oneself effectively, let alone influencing others, is impossible. 

In our leadership training, we refer to personal leadership as the Modeling of Leadership. Teams can only perform at the highest level when leaders display the right behaviors, values, and work ethic they expect from others. 

This guide will explore essential qualities of personal leadership and how you can embody them in your daily personal and professional lives. 

Personal Leadership Qualities

1. Integrity

Integrity is the cornerstone of personal leadership. There are several schools of thought on integrity. Some teach that integrity simply means honesty. Others describe it as accountability. But integrity, based on its original context, refers to wholeness (from the term “integer”). 

A person of integrity can gain the trust and respect of those around him or her as he or she aligns all actions with the wholeness of his or her character. Integrity refers to aligning words with actions. You must talk the talk and walk the walk. 

Commit to your promises and be consistent with your actions. Increase the power of accountability in your leadership by owning the mistakes you’re accountable for and learning from them. 

Strengthen integrity by always doing the right, even when difficult or inconvenient. 

2. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand, manage, and navigate one's own emotions and those of others. It is one of the essential qualities for personal leadership, given that it fosters empathy, effective communication, and the ability to handle stress and challenges gracefully under pressure. 

Start developing emotional intelligence by recognizing your emotions and how they affect your behavior. Being self-aware of your current triggers for emotional stress can help you reduce the chances of negatively affecting your team members when you speak. 

Control impulsive feelings and behaviors by regulating yourself. Assess your emotional health every week to see specific areas for improvement.

Empathize with your direct reports as they face and overcome life challenges. Be an active listener as they share their struggles, even in their personal life, as you’d better understand where they’re coming from. 

Create a healthy support group where others can help you grow and give you the opportunity to serve others. This will help you see blindspots you can change or improve and gain feedback and insights from others who know you well. 

Develop a stress management coping mechanism by balancing demands and abilities. If possible, decrease demand. If not, increase your abilities to handle the needs of your life—this includes task management, problem-solving and decision-making, planning, and communication.

3. Critical Thinking

Critical thinking and strategic thinking are two essential skills of modern-day leadership. The first type of thinking involves analyzing situations, learning to filter insights and information based on your current context, and making informed decisions.

Involve yourself in strategic planning sessions to get a bigger picture of your organization (not only your teams). During this session, you can ask questions related to your leadership and brainstorm ideas to propel your team training to high performance.

Reflect on different perspectives by leveraging diversity and inclusion in your teams. Before making decisions, ask your direct reports for their insights, especially if you are leading direct reports. 

Analyze the consequences of your actions, but be firm when making decisions. No one wants to follow an indecisive leader. 

4. Resourcefulness 

Resourcefulness is the ability to maximize current resources (time, attention, energy, talent) to the fullest so that one can achieve one's individual or organizational goals. 

Personal leadership is being solution-oriented and knowing how to find innovative ways to navigate them. 

Cultivate a mindset of possibility within your team. Let their suggestions become a reality (consultative leadership) by trying things out—particularly the ones with valid reasons and supported by data. 

Be willing to adapt and change your approach when faced with setbacks. Flexibility aligned with resourcefulness could help your teams achieve greater performance and new heights not previously possible. 

5. Values and Ethics 

Values and ethics serve as your internal compass, guiding your decisions and actions. A strong sense of personal values helps you remain true to yourself and focus on what matters most. 

Ethical leaders are not swayed by external pressures or short-term gains but are guided by principles that align with their beliefs. 

Identify your core values. You can invest in a values and mission workshop from a reputable corporate training provider to help you identify your core values. 

When you lead with a strong ethical foundation, you create a positive impact on those around you and foster an environment of trust and mutual respect. 

6. Vision

A clear vision gives you a sense of direction and purpose. Personal leadership requires a solid vision to lead your team in the right direction of performance and character-building. 

Vision casting is about setting goals, developing a plan, and staying committed to your journey, even when the path becomes difficult. Commitment to the goals despite the daily challenges is what makes vision enable good leaders to perform. 

Vision also inspires others to work towards a common goal. Without a vision, people don’t feel the passion for the team, cast off restraint, leading to confusion, poor performance, and lack of growth. 

7. Self-Awareness 

Self-awareness also strengthens personal leadership. Self-aware leaders are more in tune with their thoughts and behaviors, allowing them to make conscious decisions that align with their values.

Here are some pro tips to increase self-awareness:

• Let others speak to your career and life. Surround yourself with growing and trusted people. Allow others to suggest, advise, and give you feedback you need to improve your work. 
• Reflect on your professional journey (intrapersonal communication) by setting time to meditate once a day. Write down things you’re grateful for as a leader and things you want to accomplish for the day. By setting things right at the start of the day, you’ll have a strong start, giving you inspiration and energy to accomplish great things for your team. 

The Role of Personal Leadership in Daily Life

Personal leadership extends beyond the workplace. It’s about leading yourself in all aspects of life, whether interacting with family, friends, or colleagues. Here’s how you can incorporate personal leadership into your daily routine:

• Lead by example: Be a role model in your actions, whether maintaining a positive attitude, demonstrating empathy, or showing perseverance in difficult times. Develop your character at home to live out the correct values when working. 
• Set personal goals: Take time to identify areas for growth and create actionable plans to achieve them. Define specific goals, and let your habits and actions take you where you want to go. 
• Cultivate healthy habits: Practice self-discipline in time management, self-care, and continuous learning. Habits with consistent discipline bring you to the success you dream of as a leader. In every spotlight of success, there is a process, and that includes cultivating leadership habits. 

Personal leadership involves taking responsibility for your life, actions, and choices. How you see challenges and own them will affect your performance as a leader. 

Leadership is a journey that requires dedication, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth. By embodying qualities such as integrity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, resourcefulness, values and ethics, vision, and self-awareness, you become a leader who influences others and inspires them to reach their full potential.

As I always say in my leadership training, “Leadership starts with you, but never about you.”  It’s the way you show up, the example you set, and the values you live by daily. By mastering these qualities, you can lead yourself more effectively and positively impact the lives of those around you.

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by Venchito Tampon