Certainly great safety leaders don’t always give away their power and authority, but there are times when it is in everyone’s best interest to give at least some of it away. This is especially true when trust has been built and there is a history of working well and successfully with others.
It Takes Smarts and Hearts
Great safety leaders know that they have to be selective with whom they give their power to and when. Individuals who are trusted and have the kinds of knowledge and skills necessary, are near the top of that list. These kinds of workers are willing and able to take on new challenges and knock down barriers to greater success, working through the execution of safety-related challenges, programs, and processes.
Knowing that you’ve put enough time in with your workers, while building rapport and revealing a history of appropriate support, helps to let all who are involved, better understand who is really engaged – from both the head and heart. When people are motivated and are competent enough to be successful, with nearly any kind of new challenge, those challenges become an opportunity for success. Even more, when leaders give power away, they aren’t simply collaborating, but at times, they are removing themselves and more fully empowering.
Not Any Old Leader Will Do
It takes a skillful and seasoned leader who is comfortable and courageous enough to give away his or her power, in order to get more in return. And by removing herself from the group, that safety leader is acknowledging that she is looking for ownership, and ownership goes beyond participation, empowerment, teamwork, and collaboration. Ownership is much of what great safety leaders want to find, and realize that it occurs largely when power is given away, rather than taken away.
Greater levels of safety achievement are waiting to be discovered and embraced through greater humility.
Are your leaders humble enough to give away, at least some of their power?