What must supervisors relinquish to empower employees?

To empower employees, supervisors must relinquish authority. Empowerment involves giving employees the autonomy and decision-making power necessary to take ownership of their roles and responsibilities. When supervisors delegate authority, it enables employees to feel more confident and engaged in their work, allowing them to contribute ideas, make choices, and take initiative in problem-solving.

This shift in authority also fosters an environment of trust and respect, where employees feel valued and capable. By stepping back and allowing team members to make decisions, supervisors can cultivate a more innovative and proactive workforce. Empowering employees ultimately leads to improved morale, productivity, and satisfaction within the team, as individuals recognize that they have input and influence over their work.

In contrast, inspiration, motivation, and skills do not directly involve the transfer of authority from supervisors to employees. While these aspects are important for team dynamics and performance, they do not encapsulate the core principle of empowerment that is achieved through the delegation of authority.