Leadership Reflections... Empowerment Reflections from Collin

In addition to working together to succeed, we must also take the next step to ensure that we feel EMPOWERED within our APM. This will not only allow us to succeed, but also allow us all to grow. Below are reflections from our compliance leader to help EMPOWER our teams.

From Collin Warren, Chief Compliance Officer:

During our most recent Monthly Operating Review we shared a discussion guide to help our leaders promote a culture of empowerment. With that in mind, I would like to briefly share my thoughts on two points I believe will help APM develop and mature this culture.

First, leaders must be clear with desired outcomes. A leader that provides clarity is fundamental to empowering others to elevate, take ownership, and ultimately self-actualize within the organization. Clarity and directness, while being professional (and kind), is essential in allowing others to take ownership and succeed.

Second, this clarity creates freedom for the individual to develop true ownership. What might this look like as leaders? Leaders sharing openly, clearly, and directly a desired outcome, a desired standard to achieve, a process, etc. – then allowing the individual the freedom to be creative and execute their plan. Leaders who build the necessary competency, provide the requisite experience, and give clear expectations – and then get out of the way – empower those around them to grow and be successful.

But what if we fail? We learn. We embrace the opportunity to improve. We give candid feedback. We receive candid feedback. We succeed. In the words of Dr. W. Edwards Deming – the founder of continuous improvement – “All anyone asks for is a chance to work with pride...” Let’s strive to give that chance and empower APM.