Our Top 3 Tips.
As a business owner, you’re in the driver’s seat.
But here’s the thing—your team’s the engine that makes the car go.
I’ve talked a lot about engaging your team in the Vision, making them feel like a vital part of achieving it and being accountable to their roles and responsibilities to ensure things get done when you need them.
But here’s another important factor you need to consider to truly lead a high-performance team that will be rocket fuel for your journey – you need to empower them.
Empowerment focuses on giving your team the autonomy, support, and resources to do their jobs effectively. It’s all about giving them the confidence to make decisions, take ownership, and not feel like they need to check in with you every five minutes (and you’re comfortable with this).
Why is empowerment so crucial? Good question.
Here’s the thing: when your team feels empowered, they’re more motivated, more accountable, and more likely to go above and beyond.
They don’t just show up—they own their role.
The result? A more efficient, engaged, and high-performing team that drives your business forward.
When you empower your people, you create a culture of trust, innovation, and growth.
And that, my friend, is the kind of foundation every business needs to succeed.
As I say time and time again,
“The product is not the product, the product is your people.”
Your business success is built with your people every single time. The better they become, the more your business thrives.
So in this blog, I’m going to share my top 3 tips for empowering your team.
Let’s dive in.
1. Give Them Autonomy and Trust Them to Make Decisions
It sounds simple, but this is the one that trips up a lot of leaders. You might think you’re helping by micromanaging, but really, you’re just holding your team back. Let them make the calls, and watch them rise to the occasion. If they fail? Well, that’s how we learn, isn’t it? It’s called “growth,” and it’s messy—like trying to teach your dog to fetch without biting the ball.
What you can do: Start by delegating tasks and trusting your team to make decisions. Let them take ownership of their projects. If you need to check in, do it as a mentor, not a helicopter parent. Let them try new approaches, even if it makes you a little nervous. You’ll be surprised at how resourceful they can be when given the freedom.
Example: Let’s say you’re running a marketing agency. Instead of approving every campaign idea, give your marketing manager the freedom to plan and execute. It’s okay to check in, but let them make the decisions about the direction they want to take. They might just come up with an idea you wouldn’t have thought of, and it could be your next big hit.
Why it matters: When you trust your team, they feel empowered and accountable. They know you have their back, even when they screw up (because let’s face it, they will—just like we all do).
How are you empowering your team to make decisions and take ownership of their work?
2. Provide the Right Tools and Resources
Picture this: you’re a carpenter, and I give you a hammer… and that’s it. No saw, no nails, no blueprint. How’s that project going to turn out? Probably like a toddler trying to build a house with LEGO. Same goes for your team—they can’t do their best work without the proper tools. And I’m not just talking about fancy software (although that’s nice). I’m talking about training, support, and anything else they need to succeed.
What you can do: Look at what your team needs to do their jobs well, and make sure they have access to those resources. If they need training, offer it. If they need software, provide it. If they need better coffee, … maybe don’t skimp on that either.
Example: If you have a sales team, give them a CRM system that actually works (no one’s going to close deals with a system that’s more outdated than granny’s internet). Give them sales tools that help them be more efficient, and send them to training sessions where they can improve their skills. The more equipped they are, the more confident they’ll be.
Why it matters: When you provide the tools and resources they need, your team feels set up for success. And when they succeed, you succeed. Everyone’s happy.
What tools or resources can you provide to help your team work smarter, not harder?
3. Encourage Growth and Development
No one wants to feel like they’re stuck in the same place forever. If you’re not helping your team grow, they’re probably going to start looking for opportunities elsewhere. And I don’t mean just throwing them a book and hoping they figure it out. It’s about encouraging them to take on new challenges, develop new skills, and grow into their next big role.
What you can do: Offer opportunities for growth and learning. Set up regular check-ins where you talk about career development. If someone expresses interest in a new role or responsibility, find ways to help them get there. And don’t just leave it up to them—give them the tools, knowledge, and mentorship they need to succeed.
Example: If one of your employees expresses interest in project management, let them take the lead on a smaller project. Offer support, give feedback, and let them learn the ropes. That way, when they’re ready to take on bigger projects, they’re not thrown into the deep end without a life raft.
Why it matters: When your team feels like they have room to grow, they’ll stay engaged and motivated. They’ll be more invested in your business because they can see a future there.
What growth opportunities are you offering your team to help them level up?
Final Thoughts: Empowerment Isn’t Just a Buzzword—It’s the Key to Your Success
At the end of the day, empowering your team is about more than just giving them tasks and walking away. It’s about creating a culture of trust, development, and responsibility. When your team feels empowered, they’re not just going to show up—they’re going to give it their all. And that’s what we want as business owners, right? A team that shows up, takes ownership, and works together to move the business forward.
So, how are you empowering your team right now?
Are you trusting them with decisions, providing them the right tools, and helping them grow?
Let’s be real—if you’re not empowering your team, you’re holding your business back. But if you let them take the wheel? Well, they might just drive you to success faster than you ever imagined.
