{"id":784,"date":"2013-07-31T16:39:29","date_gmt":"2013-07-31T16:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/?p=784"},"modified":"2013-07-31T16:39:29","modified_gmt":"2013-07-31T16:39:29","slug":"how-your-small-business-gains-when-you-empower-your-employees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.poly.com\/how-your-small-business-gains-when-you-empower-your-employees\/","title":{"rendered":"How empowering your employees benefits your small business"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"smb-tech-trends\"<\/a>What happens to your small business when you\u2019re away from the office? Even with your ability to be available anywhere at any time with today\u2019s mobile devices<\/a>; there are situations when you can\u2019t take a call \u2013 even hands free with a headset<\/a> — or check your text or email. If you are confident that while you\u2019re unreachable, your employees know what you\u2019d like them to do and act accordingly; you\u2019ve done a good job of delegating<\/a> responsibilities. But is that enough? Do you have a team that is ready to step in and decide on their own how to resolve an issue, if necessary? \u00a0In other words, is your team empowered?<\/p>\n

Empowerment is a word that you hear often these days. That\u2019s because many companies have come to realize that in order to build employee leadership skills to move the organization to the next level, they need to do more than delegate responsibility. They need to give employees the power to make important decisions and act on their own, as long as it\u2019s within the boundaries of the company’s values and goals.<\/p>\n

Why empowering your employees matters<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many benefits to empowering your employees, not the least of which is increasing their satisfaction as a member of your team. Empowerment also aids productivity, since your employees, who are involved in the tactical aspects of running your small business, often have the best ideas on how to boost productivity as well as reduce costs. Consider how empowering it would be to your team if you asked them for suggestions to cuts costs and streamline operations.<\/p>\n

Empowering your employees also improves customer service. Empowered employees have the confidence and authority to make decisions on the spot, which can mean the difference between keeping a customer or losing one or resolving a problem in such a way that gains customer loyalty. Empowered employees are more inclined to do what\u2019s in the best interest of the customer even if it means deviating from the company rules a bit.<\/p>\n

\"team<\/a>Empowered employees also can be a great antidote for complacency. An environment in which employees are confident about expressing their ideas can take your small business in directions you may not have considered.<\/p>\n

Take steps empower your team<\/strong><\/p>\n

Listen:<\/strong>\u00a0 Make sure your team knows that they are being heard and that you value and respect their input.<\/p>\n

Instill trust:<\/strong> Convey confidence in your team\u2019s ability to make the right decisions. Set guidelines \u2013 for example, how much to adjust a bill or negotiate with a vendor \u2013 and then let your team make decisions within\u00a0 your parameters without having to get approvals. Be clear that it\u2019s OK to take risks and failure can be an option if it\u2019s a learning experience.<\/p>\n

Encourage independent thinking<\/strong>: Encourage questions and invite ideas about doing things in new ways or new things to do.<\/p>\n

Recognize success<\/strong>: Show your appreciation for a great idea and a job well. Consider some type of reward as well as company recognition.<\/p>\n

Do you work at empowering your team? What steps have you taken?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Help us get out the vote for 2013 Small Business Influencer Award<\/h3>\n

\"Vote-2013-125x125-red<\/a>It\u2019s an honor to be among the nominees for the 2013 Small Business Influencer Awards<\/a>. Voting is underway and continues until September 9. You can vote daily until then.\u00a0 We appreciate your vote!<\/a><\/p>\n

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