Empowerment: The Secret to Building a Thriving Team (and Keeping Your Sanity)

When I first stepped into a managerial role, I believed I had to have all the answers. Every question, every challenge, every little decision seemed to land squarely on my desk. I spent my days micromanaging tasks, double-checking details, and generally running myself into the ground. Meanwhile, my team felt stifled, as if I didn’t trust them to handle even the smallest responsibilities. Spoiler alert: that wasn’t a winning strategy - for me or them.

It didn’t take long to realise that trying to control everything was not only exhausting but also downright counterproductive. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room or single-handedly solving every problem. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels empowered to take ownership, make decisions, and, yes, occasionally learn from their mistakes.

The Power of Letting Go

One of the most rewarding moments in my career came when I decided to test this idea of empowerment. A high-stakes project landed on my desk, the kind that could make or break our quarterly goals. My first instinct was to grab the reins and steer every little detail myself. But instead, I took a breath, looked around, and thought, “Who on this team would benefit most from leading this project?”

I chose Sarah (not her real name). She was bright, capable, and full of potential, but she lacked confidence in her abilities. When I asked her to take the lead, her eyes widened, and she said, “Are you sure? I don’t want to mess this up.”

I’ll admit, part of me wanted to say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got it!” But instead, I assured her: “You’ve got this. I’m here if you need guidance, but I trust you to take the lead.”

Over the next few weeks, I watched Sarah grow into the role. She hit roadblocks, made adjustments, and leaned on the team for support. When the project wrapped up, she didn’t just meet expectations - she blew them out of the water.

Empowerment: A Win-Win

By stepping back and letting Sarah take charge, I learned an invaluable lesson: empowerment isn’t about abandoning your responsibilities; it’s about equipping your team to succeed. Not only did Sarah grow in confidence and capability, but the entire team benefitted. They saw what was possible when trust and accountability are woven into the fabric of the workplace.

And me? I finally got some breathing room to focus on strategic goals rather than being mired in the minutiae.

What Does Empowerment Look Like in Practice?

If you’re a new manager, the idea of “letting go” might sound a bit scary. What if your team makes a mistake? What if things fall apart? Here’s the thing: mistakes are part of the process. And when you empower your team, you’re not leaving them to fend for themselves—you’re providing the tools, trust, and support they need to succeed.

Here are a few practical steps to get started:

1. Assign Ownership, Not Just Tasks

Don’t just delegate busywork. Give your team members opportunities to lead projects, make decisions, and solve problems. Clearly outline the goal, but let them figure out the “how.”

Example: Instead of saying, “Create a report on last month’s sales,” try, “I’d like you to analyse last month’s sales, identify key trends, and present recommendations for improvement.”

2. Be a Guide, Not a Micromanager

Check in regularly, but resist the urge to hover. Ask questions like, “How’s it going?” or “What obstacles are you facing?” rather than dictating every step.

3. Celebrate Successes (and Failures)

When your team does well, shout it from the rooftops. If things don’t go as planned, treat it as a learning opportunity. Ask, “What can we do differently next time?”

4. Provide the Right Tools and Training

Empowerment doesn’t mean throwing people into the deep end without a life vest. Equip your team with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed.

5. Trust Your Team

This might be the hardest part. Trust is the foundation of empowerment. Believe in your team’s abilities and show them that you do.

How My Books and Academy Can Help

If this sounds easier said than done, don’t worry - you’re not alone. I wrote Starting Strong: A New Manager’s Guide to Thriving in Leadership – The First 100 Days to help new managers navigate the early challenges of leadership, including the art of delegation and empowerment.

For those looking to refine their skills further, Focused Leadership: The Manager’s Path to Simplicity and Success offers practical tools for managing complexity, staying focused, and building high-performing teams.

And for those ready to dive deep into their leadership journey, my 12-month Leadership and Management Growth Academy provides hands-on training, one-on-one support, and a proven framework to help you and your team thrive.

Progress, Not Perfection

The best leaders I know didn’t start out as naturals. They made mistakes, took risks, and learned along the way. Leadership is a skill - a muscle you build over time. And one of the most important exercises? Learning to let go and empower your team.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, I invite you to check out my books or join the academy. Remember, leadership isn’t about being perfect - it’s about making progress, one empowered decision at a time.

So, what’s one thing you can delegate or let go of today? Take the leap - you just might be surprised at what your team (and you) can achieve.