The Importance of Defining a Group’s Level of Empowerment In a Decision Making Meeting

Don’t Miss These Steps if You Want to Foster Trust

If the levels of decision-making authority have not been clearly identified prior to the meeting, team members may go through an entire meeting or process with an unrealistic expectation of their own role in a decision. This can leave a group feeling frustrated, used and used, negatively impacting engagement in future meetings. Know which level of decision-making authority your group has and announce it at the beginning of the meeting to ensure full transparency.

What are the Four Levels of Empowerment?

Level 1 – Management makes the decision, shares it and opens dialogue to questions implementation plans

Level 2 – Management has a decision in mind but wants feedback from the group before finalizing it. There needs to be an openness to making adjustments based on feedback.

Level 3 – Staff are asked to make one or two recommendations with management reserving the right to make the final decision.

Level 4 – Staff are fully empowered to make decision and implement it.