Unlocking Team Potential: How to Empower Teams for Decision-Making

As your business grows, so will your team and the cumulative workload. Which is why empowering teams to make decisions is one of the most important jobs of a team leader (you!). Not only do you want to train your team members to do their best work, but you want to teach them how to make the best decisions for your company. You won’t be present in every client meeting, nor can you do all of the work yourself – that’s why you hired your team in the first place! But a part of doing client work is making the right decisions, whether that’s selecting the best font type or having a conversation that will keep a client happy. Plus, an empowered team will be more comfortable sharing new ideas and have greater job satisfaction, meaning your employees are more likely to stick around and contribute to the continuous improvement of your business over time.

Understanding Empowered Teams

Definition and Importance of Empowered Teams

So we know you need an empowered team, but what does that even mean? And why is it so important?

First let’s talk definitions: an empowered team means that your employees have both the responsibility and authority to make decisions. This means they don’t have to wait for you or a senior leader to approve every decision or for a team leader to give every instruction. This cuts down a lot of waiting and work on both ends; they can handle the responsibilities of their role and you can run the company without everyone needing to constantly check and reply to emails. Plus, it gives your team members the opportunity to grow into great leaders of their own.

Training an empowered team is crucial in this day and age for multiple reasons. For one, it’s more efficient. A lot of time can be wasted waiting on replies. But more importantly, it creates a positive work environment when your employees feel trusted and capable. A lack of trust between team leader and team members can really drain the enthusiasm out of a group; no one likes to be micromanaged. And giving your team members the opportunity to be a decision-making authority also gives them the freedom to make their mark on your company, to really feel like they’re a valuable and respected member of your business instead of another replaceable cog in the corporate machine (ick). This results in a positive work environment, which means more job satisfaction and, by extent, more customer satisfaction. And less employee turnover – which means less time you have to spend searching for and training new employees. 

Role of Decision-Making in Team Empowerment

You can’t have an empowered team without giving your team the responsibility to make decisions as it relates to their roles. That’s like, the main part of the definition. Which means you’ll have to train your team members not only in how to do their jobs well, but also how to think and make decisions that are in alignment with your mission. 

This can be challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. If your employees know how to think like you, that means you can feel comfortable when you need to hand off client work or marketing responsibilities as you grow. Employee performance rises significantly when an individual is knowledgeable, confident, and feels trusted, and in turn you can breathe when you have to be away because you know your business is in good hands. After all, you trained them to be empowered and know what they’re capable of.

Strategies for Empowering Teams

So how do you empower a team? What steps get you from a new hire to a confident and capable employee? Not to worry, we’ve got some tips:

• Train employees not only in the how of your operations, but in the why. Teach them the reasoning behind your systems and methods, the core values of your business, and your decision making process.
• Ask employees for their ideas and input about the business and their role
• Stretch your team members’ capabilities so they can expand their skill set; at the same time, gradually increase their autonomy within their role
• Give positive feedback when they do something well, and be specific
• Be clear about decision making roles and what they are and aren’t allowed to manage on their own
• Show your team that you trust them! Let team members handle a project or head a new initiative.

It can be scary letting go of control as a business owner – after all, this is like your baby. No one could possibly care for it the way you do. But at the end of the day you can’t do it all, and you want the best possible team to have your back.

Navigating Challenges in Team Empowerment

Like all things, team empowerment can face some tricky challenges. It can feel like running a hurdle race: willingly jumping over obstacles while a little part of your brain wonders if the 100 m sprint would’ve been the easier choice. But while the race might’ve been easier without the hurdles, you wouldn’t have the strength, flexibility, and balance to go farther if you hadn’t faced them.

The first obstacle will likely be a resistance to change. This is true for any new initiative, honestly. Empowered teams move away from the traditional office power dynamics and can feel uncomfortable at first. Stay strong in your decision to empower your employees and trust that over time everyone will adjust and feel better for the change.

The next hurdle is a lack of trust, both between team members and management and in ourselves. You can address a lack of trust between team members and team leaders through open communication, asking for feedback and ideas from your employees, and giving constructive criticism (including positive feedback!). Handling a lack of trust in one’s own capabilities can be a bit trickier. You’ll have to find the balance between training and mentoring your team members so they are well-equipped and giving them space to see what they can do. As a general rule, always go for supportive over impatient leadership and offer to help or partner them with a senior team member if they’re feeling unsteady.

Lastly, it’s important to help your employees continue to grow. Your company’s growth is dependent on the improvement of those making decisions – which now includes your employees. Offer chances for new trainings where you’re able, even if it’s something small.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wanting to sustainably grow your small business, you’ll need empowered employees to help you. Training your team to make good and practical decisions that reflect the goals and values of your business can take time, but will be worth it in the long run. You’ll see better employee performance, increased trust and community in your workplace, a positive work environment, greater job satisfaction, and less time wasted with unnecessary forms and emails. 

For more practical small business tips and insights, subscribe to our newsletter below.