Empowering success

Kate Littlejohn, Business Operations and Marketing Manager, Harcourts Tasmania, on helping her team make the most of opportunities

Recently I was reminded of the old adage ‘you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink’ by a business colleague when they were talking about their challenges with a current employee. As our conversation continued, I started thinking about the issue.

That despite feeling like we may have provided the tools and opportunities, we can’t force an employee to act. So how do we ensure that our staff are empowered to make the most of the opportunities provided to them? Here’s my top 5 tips:

1) Resources fit for the role

The right resources remove barriers and provide the framework & clarity for what needs to be done. Be it the most current technology and software, relevant and up to date training materials or/and a workplace buddy for ongoing support.

Employees need resources that are relevant to provide them with the best chance of success. If the resources, we are providing are not aligned & tailored to the individuality of the role, then we can’t expect the employee to ‘drink’ from the water of opportunity.

2) Create knowledge and confidence

As leaders it is our responsibility to provide our employees with the knowledge and skills they require to do their role.

This requires us, as leaders, to provide the teaching and the training so they can succeed. By offering ongoing training and development programs we can empower our staff with the expertise and skills necessary to act.

To build confidence in our teams, it requires us to go beyond the basic instructions and instead develop and foster a deeper understanding of why these things matter and how it will ultimately help them – and our business succeed.

3) Culture counts

Providing a supportive environment, where there is a culture based on strong, company-lived values encourages our team members to engage in their role and responsibilities.

We need to encourage and develop a culture of accountability, where our staff know the importance of their work and the way in which that fits into the overall goals of the business.

If we provide our team members with the right environment, where they feel motivated, accountable and recognised, they will invariably step up and take ownership of opportunities & challenges presented to them.

4) Encouragement and recognition

In some cases, it can be as simple as saying ‘well done’ to an employee, but for others it can be the need for a more public acknowledgment of their achievements or success in a more formal way, with awards and recognition. It is important we understand what it is that our team need to help them feel valued and appreciated in their role.

If we recognise and support our team, even more so when they may be facing challenges, we can build confidence in their abilities. Strong support systems within our businesses develop confidence in our teams and empower them to ‘drink’ from the resources provided.

5) Learning from mistakes

Encouraging our team to take initiative and have autonomy to make decisions in a nurturing and supportive environment that focuses on the lessons learnt if mistakes are made will encourage empowerment and ownership within our teams.

Motivation is key to action, if, as businesses, we can foster a sense of opportunity and our team feel a vested interest in the outcome, they are more likely to be proactive and make the most of the opportunities and resources provided to them.

Empowering your team begins with creating the right environment—a place where opportunities are not just offered but are actively encouraged and supported.

As leaders, it is our responsibility to lay the foundation that enables employees to tap into their potential and thrive. If you're exploring ways to foster success within your team, these actionable tips may serve as a valuable guide in driving growth, motivation, and achievement.