EmpowermenEmpowermentt

andand

ProactivityProactivityCdr Tim QuinnCdr Tim Quinn

Fall 2007Fall 2007

What is ProactivityWhat is ProactivityActing in advance to deal with an

expected difficulty—Not waiting to be told or “See what happens”

Taking initiative AND responsibilityAccept circumstances, make conscious

decisions, and take positive actions to achieve unit’s goals

Qualities of Proactive Qualities of Proactive PeoplePeople

Accept circumstances for what they are—Don’t worry about things they can’t control—Produce consistent quality regardless

Make things happen—Face reality and get most out of environment—Choose their course of action

Seek knowledge and understanding to improve performance—Acknowledge mistakes to learn and improve

Positive Thinkers/EnergeticAccept responsibility/Hold themselves

accountable

Proactive is Proactive is NOTNOT Pushy, obnoxious, or aggressiveDefying ordersBypassing the chain of commandModifying responsibilitySidestepping accountability because of convenience

Proactive vs. ReactiveProactive vs. ReactiveReactive people allow

problems/circumstances to control their actions

Lack foresight, often caught unpreparedOften forced into a decision rather than

choosing how to actFocus on problems they cannot control;

Often consuming areas they could controlNegative thinkers/Filters through whole

groupDon’t acknowledge mistakes

—Rationalize, justify why it’s not their fault—Allows original mistake to get bigger

Proactive vs. Reactive Proactive vs. Reactive LanguageLanguage

ProactiveProactive“I choose”“I prefer”

“I’ll look at my options”

“I’ll try a different way”

“I’ll adjust my priorities”

ReactiveReactive“I can’t”

“I have to”“There’s nothing I

can do”“I am what I am”“I’m too busy”

This language reveals the root attitude This language reveals the root attitude and overall commitment of personand overall commitment of person

EmpowermentEmpowermentWhat is it?

—Yield power to those who can “get the job done” (vice hoarding)

Two types:Formal – authority and responsibility that comes with a rank or position

Informal – sharing power (responsibility and information) to subordinates to meet common goals

Empowered people are not afraid to assume responsibility and be held accountable because they are confident their actions will be worthwhile

Why is Empowerment Why is Empowerment Important?Important?

Facilitates teamwork, helps build consensus

Improves decision-making—Subordinates feel like “part of the team”—Know they’ll be listened to and taken seriously

Help develop subordinates—Harness individual talents to the fullest—Build possible future leaders

Empowerment encourages proactivity—One fails without the other—Proactive personnel will be rewarded with greater empowerment

Empowerment and Empowerment and ProactivityProactivity

All the empowerment vested in a person is useless if the person fails to act

When fostered carefully, both become valuable tools to a leader in building a positive, productive, and successful command culture

Empowerment and Empowerment and ProactivityProactivity

Leader empower

s subordina

tes

Empowerment encourages

personnel to be proactive

Proactive personnel rewarded w/further

empowerment

Questions?Questions?