Empower Leaders: Don't Control Them

by Jon Close

Jun 15, 2026

Leadership growth requires opportunity.

If leaders hold tightly to every decision, responsibility, or process, people never develop the confidence to lead.

Empowerment means intentionally transferring responsibility, authority, and trust so others can truly lead, not just execute tasks.

John C. Maxwell teaches at leaders multiply their influence by developing others-not by maintaining control.

Empowerment is not abandonment.

It is intentional development through responsibility.

This Week's Practice

Identify one responsibility you can delegate this week.

When you do:

Clarify expectations and decision boundaries.
Provide support without taking control back.
Allow ownership of both the process and the outcome.

Leadership confidence grows through experience.

DISC Insight - Empowering each style

D - Dominance

Provide them with opportunities to lead initiatives and make decisions.

I - Inspiring

Encourage them to lead communication and collaboration.

S - Support

Invite them to mentor or support others on the team.

C- Cautious

Empower them to improve systems or processes.

Bottom Line:

Control builds followers. Empowerment builds leaders.

Stop Arguing with Reality

One of the most powerful insights from the book No Ego by Cy Wakeman is simple: Reality is the starting point for leadership. In my coaching, I frame this as trading “arguments with reality” for “alignment with reality” so leaders can move faster. Leaders lose momentum when they spend time wishing situations were different rather than responding constructively to what exists. Reality includ...

Believe in People Before They Believe in Themselves

Many capable people hesitate to step into leadership because they doubt their readiness. Often the turning point is not a training program, promotion, or new title but a leader who believes in them first. John C. Maxwell reminds us that people often rise—or fall—to the level of expectations placed on them. When leaders’ express belief in someone’s potential, they provide permission for that ...

Leadership Begins with the Right Leadership Style

Not all team members require the same leadership approach. Some people need clear direction, others need encouragement and others need autonomy and trust Ken Blanchard's situational leadership model reminds us that effective leaders adjust their style based on the competence (skills) and commitment: (motivation and confidence) of the individual team member. In my coaching, I invite leaders to...