As leaders, entrepreneurs, or managers, it's tempting to believe we have the power to "make" someone successful. The truth is, we can't. Success is a choice & it's not ours. Each person makes it for themselves, sometimes with you & sometimes somewhere else. Our role is not to "make them" or "guarantee success." It's to provide the environment, resources, and clarity for them to do so.
Own the Lack of Control
The first step in empowering others is accepting that you cannot control their choices or actions. Success is personal and driven by individual motivation. As much as you want to see your team excel, it's ultimately up to them to take the necessary steps. Understanding this can eliminate the frustration and help you focus on the bigger picture.
Provide Resources and Discipline
Motivation is fleeting. While it's important to inspire your team, long-term success relies on discipline and the right resources. Equip your team with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. Establish a disciplined environment where consistency and dedication are valued. This foundation will help your team develop the habits necessary for sustained success.
Create Clarity with Measurable Benchmarks
Clarity is crucial. Set clear, measurable benchmarks that your team can strive to achieve. This not only provides direction but also allows for tangible progress to be celebrated. When people know exactly what is expected of them and can see their progress, they are more likely to stay motivated and committed to their goals.
Reward the Extraordinary, Not the Ordinary
To foster a culture of excellence, it's important to reward extraordinary efforts, not just ordinary performance. Recognize and celebrate when team members go above and beyond. This sets a standard of excellence and encourages others to strive for higher levels of achievement. Ordinary efforts should be acknowledged, but the real accolades should be reserved for those who exceed expectations.
Do Not Settle
Settling for mediocrity can become a habit, both for you and your team. Avoid lowering your standards to accommodate underperformance. Instead, hold yourself and your team accountable to high standards. This doesn't mean being unreasonable, but it does mean maintaining a commitment to excellence. When you refuse to settle, you inspire your team to reach their full potential.
Empowering your team is about creating an environment where they can choose to succeed. Accept that you can't control their choices, provide the necessary resources and discipline, create clarity with measurable benchmarks, reward extraordinary efforts, and never settle for less than excellence. By doing this, you’ll foster a culture of empowerment and achievement.
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