"القيادة ليست حول السلطة بل حول تمكين الآخرين"

Leadership isn’t about holding power over others; it’s about lifting them up and helping them succeed. At its heart, it’s pretty simple: real leaders focus on empowering their teams rather than controlling them. Think about it like this—leadership is a gardener nurturing plants, not a puppeteer pulling strings.

Historically, this idea has been around a while. Mahatma Gandhi, for example, led India to independence not by brute force or authoritative power, but by inspiring and empowering millions to believe in the cause of non-violent resistance. He didn’t just give orders; he provided vision and encouragement, thereby empowering others to act.

Now, let’s dive into a real-life example to bring this concept home. Take Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft. When he took over, Microsoft was struggling with innovation and morale. Instead of ruling with an iron fist, Nadella focused on creating a culture of empathy and continuous learning. He encouraged employees to take risks and supported them even when they failed. By doing this, he transformed Microsoft into a powerhouse of innovation and collaboration. Nadella didn’t just wield power; he empowered his entire company to thrive.

So, how do you apply this in your own life? Start by listening more than you talk. Seriously, give it a go. When you’re in a meeting or a conversation, focus on what others are saying and think about how you can support their ideas. Offer your help, provide resources, or even just encouragement. You’d be surprised how much people can accomplish when they feel someone’s got their back.

Also, share the spotlight. Don’t just hog the credit when things go well. Make sure to acknowledge the contributions of others. It’s a small thing that goes a long way in making people feel valued and empowered.

Imagine you’re working on a group project at work. You’re the team lead, but instead of dictating every step, you invite your team to brainstorm ideas. You genuinely listen, taking notes and asking questions. Jessica comes up with a fantastic, albeit risky, idea. Instead of shooting it down, you encourage her to flesh it out, offering your support and resources. Even if the idea doesn’t pan out, Jessica feels valued and respected—maybe next time she’ll come up with an idea that hits it out of the park.

And that’s the magic. By empowering others, you’re not just leading, you’re creating more leaders. You’re building a team that’s resilient, innovative, and committed. It’s like teaching someone to fish rather than just giving them a fish. They’ll eat for a lifetime, and in turn, they’ll teach others to fish too.

So next time you find yourself in a leadership role, big or small, think about how you can empower those around you. It’s not about having power—it’s about giving it away. And in the process, you’ll likely find that you become a more respected and effective leader yourself. Give it a try, and see how your relationships and projects transform.