Give them power, possibilities, permission and perspective

# Chapter 107

Enable others to act - from The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

This is the participatory aspect of leading others toward the future they want. An enduring relationship is the foundation. Ray has my back. I have Ray’s back. We share a history of more than 12 years of doing this for one another. This practice is the linchpin one. If you can’t make people feel and be more powerful in determining their own futures, then you and I have failed once again at leadership.

Enable others to take action. Give them power. Give them possibilities. Give them permission. Give them tools. Give them a new perspective. Change the view for them, help them see new horizons. Give them what they need to find the future they want.

I will never forget how Ray made his entire software development company my playground while I tried to build a new business in an industry where I had zero experience. I shudder to think what helping me cost him, and to add insult to injury, I never made a cent on that business venture! But I learned a great deal about generosity and leadership. That unhesitating willingness to enable me to act on Ray’s part, changed the course of my life.

I have repeated this unhesitating act of generosity over and over in the lives of my clients around the world. But I had to see it and experience it first, before I could do it well myself. Now I can do it over and over and see others begin to do it as well. This is how to best serve those you lead, your clients, your followers.