Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment - How to Improve Quality, Productivity, and Employee Satisfaction

Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment - How to Improve Quality, Productivity, and Employee Satisfaction by William C. Byham, Ph.D. with Jeff Cox

Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment was one of those books that was fundamental in shaping me as a leader.  Prior to reading this book, I severely confused empowerment with delegation and thought that if I didn't do everything myself I was by default empowering others.  This book helped me to realize how much I stunk as a leader and that I needed to change my ways if I was going to be anything better.

Zapp! tells a light story about Joe Mode's journey from being an overworked an ineffective micro-manager to a highly effective empowered leader.  The book uses the term "Zapps" as actions which empower a team and "Sapps" as actions which dis-empower a team. 

	Examples of what Sapps people		Examples of what Zapps people
	Confusion Lack of trust Not being listened to No time to solve problems Bureaucratic office politics Someone solving problems for you No time to work on bigger issues Not knowing whether you are succeeding Across-the-board rules and regulations A boss taking credit for others' ideas Not enough resources to do the job well Believing that you can't make a difference A job simplified to the point that it has no meaning People treated exactly the same like interchangeable parts		Responsibility Trust Being listened to Teams Solving problems as a team Praise Recognition for ideas Knowing why you're important to the organization Flexible controls Direction (clear key result areas, measurements, goals) Knowledge (skills, training, information, goals) Support (approval, coaching, feedback, encouragement) Resources readily available Upward and downward communications

 

Probably the most salient point made about Zapping others is the following:

1. Maintain self esteem - treat others with respect
2. Listen and respond with empathy - don't be dismissive of others problems or issues, demonstrate that you care
3. Ask for help in solving problems - seek out opinions of team members and get them to put their thumbprint on solutions
4. Offer help without taking responsibility - let team members benefit from your wisdom; don't assume responsibility for their problems

For leaders to successfully foster a Zapped environment, they need to do the following:

1. Set clear direction (key result areas, goals, and measurements)
2. Ensure the team has knowledge (skills, training and information to do the job)
3. Ensure the team has the resources (tools, materials, facilities, money)
4. Provide support for the team (approval, coaching, feedback, encouragement)

I love this book.  It's a very easy read, keeps the reader engaged, and has very insightful nuggets to help you understand the difference between empowering a team versus just managing the team.  If you want to be a more empowering leader, then Zapp! The Lightning of Empowerment is the next book you should read.