Fourth Quarter 2010-Issue 2<\/p>\n
Note From Coach Mario-At the End of the Day-“Principle-Based Empowerment”<\/strong><\/p>\n As I listen and observe, it is not always clear that people really feel empowered to get the job done.\u00a0 I find that much of that uncertainty comes \u00a0from people not understanding each other’s\u00a0boundaries and expectations.\u00a0 In the daily quest for innovation and idea generation, the guidance given or not given by the\u00a0leader\u00a0sets the tone for the environment.\u00a0 If\u00a0clear\u00a0boundaries and expectations\u00a0are identified, \u00a0the work of innovation and idea generation\u00a0can\u00a0be\u00a0executed with the necessary conviction (motivation)\u00a0to progress…every day, even if it is\u00a0in baby steps.\u00a0 Baby steps often lead to giant leaps.\u00a0 It does, however, take a leader to\u00a0create an environment where people are truly empowered and\u00a0 feel and become motivated.\u00a0 This is where principle-based\u00a0empowerment<\/em> comes into the picture.\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition to establishing for people clear boundaries and expectations, the other\u00a0important component of creating an empowering environment is principle-based leadership at all levels in the organization.\u00a0 The principles along with clear boundaries and expectations\u00a0are\u00a0 foundational in creating\u00a0an environment\u00a0that encourages people to “give that little extra.”\u00a0 Quite often, it is that “little extra” that makes the difference between good and sustained great.\u00a0 Shown below are the\u00a0guiding principles and their associated boundaries and expectations that the leader proactively practices\u00a0to create an empowering environment\u00a0that people embrace that lead\u00a0to\u00a0innovation and idea generation:<\/p>\n PRINCIPLE — BOUNDARY and EXPECTATION<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Integrity\/Honesty– Behave ethically adhering to company policy, rules of conduct, financial policies and legal rules and regulations.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Respect– Be open and willing to listen to another individual.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n * \u00a0Openness\/Communication– Allow for dialogue in a manner where discussion\u00a0\u00a0flows \u00a0freely and does not include a hidden agenda.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Diverse Viewpoints– Recognize that\u00a0 ideas or inputs to an idea can come from very different points of view that have roots in varied experiences and cultures.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Optimism– Look at the glass as “half full” rather than “half empty.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Teamwork– Recognize that “no one wins alone” and that people need each other in the spirit of support and cooperation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Trust– Count on each other to fulfill\u00a0agreed-upon obligations.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n *\u00a0 Commitment– Retain accountability for the idea or innovation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Once these principles, boundaries and expectations\u00a0are understood, accepted and practiced consistently, an empowering environment is developed where people are inspired, motivate themselves and act with confidence. Through principle-based\u00a0empowerment,<\/strong><\/em> \u00a0the daily practice of innovation and idea generation can occur at all levels of the organization.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 –Mario Flores<\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mario Flores.\u00a0 All Rights Reserved.\u00a0 No part of these materials may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Fourth Quarter 2010-Issue 2<\/p>\n Note From Coach Mario-At the End of the Day-“Principle-Based Empowerment”<\/p>\n As I listen and observe, it is not always clear that people really feel empowered to get the job done.\u00a0 I find that much of that uncertainty comes \u00a0from people not understanding each other’s\u00a0boundaries and expectations.\u00a0 In the daily quest for innovation and idea [<\/p>\n