Singing for my Supper

We could all be singing for our supper if others were putting coins in our hat even if the singing is terrible.

Others should not be putting coins to encourage terrible singing because this will only lead to more dreadful singing and people walking on the other side of the road to avoid you. This does not only happen in the subway it happens in corporate life as well.

A lot of unhappiness in workplace stems from the fact that people are not empowered. (Are we really empowering the singer in subway?) But what does empowerment really mean? Understanding the roles of management and employees in achieving empowerment is crucial in creating a motivated and happy workplace.

To be truly empowered I have to be handed the means and ability and very importantly I have to be held accountable. This last one seems a very slippery one in corporate life.

I cannot be truly empowered if I am not held accountable for my failures AND success. Etsko Schuitema explains it perfectly in his writings. You can teach someone to fish, but he will only be empowered when you stop giving him a fish from your freezer if he comes home empty handed. The motivation for being successful at fishing will evaporate with such a safety net in place.

As management, we are very good at providing safety nets. Additional controls, signatures etc to prevent a subordinate from messing up. We are uncomfortable with holding people accountable. It seems prudent and easier to put more red tape in place, rather than deal with the uncomfortable issue at hand.

Before we go there, one step remains before we can hold people accountable. We have to make sure that they have the means and ability to the job. Empowering people is tough and very hard work for management. This is probably why so little real empowerment is seen in the workplace. Being empowered is also tough, you have to accept accountability and we do not like hearing the truth.

When companies get it right the results are very rewarding for all parties. The company and the employees prosper. Being truly empowered gives meaning to our lives. It motivates us to do our best. If I fail there is consequence, if I succeed there is consequence.

Happy singing!