Empowering vs. Indulging: A Crucial Distinction in Leadership and Personal Growth

“The greatest sign of success for a leader is to be able to say, ‘The team are now working as if I did not exist.”

As leaders, parents, or mentors, we often find ourselves at a critical juncture. Do we empower individuals to take ownership of their growth and development, or do we indulge them, inadvertently creating a culture of dependency?

Indulging others may seem like an act of kindness, but it can ultimately be detrimental to their growth. As Albert Einstein said, “You can’t solve a problem on the same level that it was created. You have to rise above it.” Indulging others prevents them from rising above their challenges.

Empowering others, on the other hand, involves providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to take ownership of their growth and development. As Nelson Mandela said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Empowering others allows them to rise above their failures and learn from their mistakes.

To empower others, we must set clear expectations and goals, we review and share feedbacks to “offer guidance and support, encourage self-reflection to foster a growth mindset”. By doing so, we can help individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.