Empower at work

Being a part of a book called, The Empowered Woman: Purpose, Passion & Possibilities, I get asked a lot about empowerment.  Naturally, there are many answers and questions that surely come with this word.  I always like to start with the (em) in power, the inner strength we all possess.  What I believe to be the foundation of empowerment.  As Alice Walker has stated, “The most common way that people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.”  The basis of power starts with the individual first.  We must acknowledge and learn how to leverage this inner power.

Since we spend so much of our time at work, I also get asked how we empower at work.  This can easily start with community building and building an inclusive atmosphere and environment within the workplace.  Here are four ways to do this at work:

• Involve others in the process

Making decisions does not have to be a solo process; engage the community with clear and concise goals. 

• Confront the ego

The ego grows smaller and smaller when you have the courage and practice of confronting it head on.

• Invest time in others

Expanding the positive elements of organizational culture involves sharing organizational knowledge with newcomers at work.  Choose one person that you connect with organically and be a mentor.

• Practice mindfulness

Be mindful of adding cultural elements that can have a positive impact on the larger organization and/or communities within the organization such as starting traditions like acknowledging birthdays and/or community lunches. 

Keep in mind that you have the inside track because you are a member of the community so you know how others can benefit from such set traditions and other cultural norms in your organization.  Leverage this knowledge to uplift yourself and others at the same time.  This is what empowerment is all about.