Page 110 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

WHERE AM I GOING? (PURPOSE AND MOTIVATION)

using her skills to empower others. An individual motivated
by empowerment sees a baby’s first smile and thinks, “This is
the hope of the future. Children will change the world.”
A low-abundance version of empowerment might involve
overpowering others and attempting to enforce one’s will
through intimidation or force. Even if real problems are
being addressed, the focus would not be on empowering
others but on self-aggrandizement or personal ambition.
Low-abundance employees who are motivated by empower-
ment may be dominating or demanding, more interested in
garnering power than in sharing it.
People motivated by the abundant version of empow-
erment might find deep meaning in social responsibility
pursuits like finding a cure, reducing world hunger, or free-
ing political prisoners. They may also find great meaning
in cleaning up a local park, serving food at a homeless shel-
ter, or teaching a child to read. Empowerment may motivate
someone to run for political office, become a high school
teacher, or take over the lead of a troubled company. But
high- abundance empowerment is not about accruing power
over others; rather it is about helping others find their own
voice, options, and personal clout.
In an organizational setting, individuals highly motivated
by empowerment often gravitate to management/leadership
or coaching/teaching positions. They like to see others suc-
ceed and want to make a difference for good. They may be
good mentors, may be motivated to produce products that
address a pressing problem, or may lead in charitable cam-
paigns and community service.
Organizations motivated by empowerment may include
political parties, nongovernment organizations, penal insti-
tutions, news agencies, volunteer groups, charitable organ-

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