Lesson Overview

Effective leadership is not just about making decisions — it is also about creating the conditions for others to contribute, grow, and take ownership.

Research suggests that employees who experience both vitality and opportunities for learning are more likely to thrive at work. Thriving employees are associated with higher overall performance, less burnout, more organizational commitment, and higher job satisfaction.

Source: Spreitzer & Porath, Harvard Business Review (2012)

Although organizational resources and structures matter, leaders can meaningfully influence thriving through four everyday leadership practices:

• Increasing decision-making discretion
• Sharing information transparently
• Providing timely, meaningful feedback
• Fostering a climate of civility and respect

These practices reinforce one another. While each can be valuable independently, thriving is most likely when they are applied together and consistently over time.

This month's leadership practice invites you to identify an opportunity to increase a team member's ownership, decision-making discretion, or influence over how work is accomplished. As you experiment with these practices, reflect on what happens — for your team members and for you as a leader. Then bring your reflections to your peer group over a shared meal, where you'll learn from colleagues and explore how empowerment can contribute to both thriving and sustainable performance.