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Empowerment

General Competency

Definition

Empowerment is the ability to share responsibility with individuals and groups so that they have a deep sense of commitment and ownership. People who practice empowerment participate and contribute at high levels, are creative and innovative, take sound risks, are willing to be held accountable and demonstrate leadership. They also foster teamwork among employees, across government and with colleagues, and, as appropriate, facilitate the effective use of teams.

Behavioural Scales

Level 1

  • Expresses positive expectations of others, speaks of team members in positive terms.
  • Trusts their judgement and that they know what they are doing; shows respect for others’ intelligence. 

Level 2

  • Assigns routine tasks to employees and is confident in their ability to accomplish tasks.
  • Demonstrates trust in employees’ ability to accomplish tasks to acceptable levels of performance, and assigns appropriate resources to employees.
  • Communicates expectations to staff clearly and effectively. 

Level 3

  • Demonstrates trust by recognizing and acknowledging that others have the skills and abilities necessary to achieve high goals.
  • Supports employees in developing performance plans and setting own work goals.
  • Encourages individuals to make choices as to how their work might be accomplished. 

Level 4

  • Publicly credits others who have performed well.
  • Encourages and empowers others, makes them feel strong or important.
  • Accepts and supports others’ considered views, recommendations, or actions. 

Level 5

  • Creates a culture that supports the delegation of significant responsibility and authority.
  • Assigns appropriate resources to individuals or work units to achieve business goals.
  • Inspires others to take on new challenges.
  • Celebrates team successes and accomplishments. 

Level 6

  • Fosters an environment in which each area of the ministry takes responsibility for the achievement of their strategic goals.
  • Expresses confidence in the organization’s ability to be successful.
  • Delegates full authority and responsibility to work units and individuals with the latitude to accomplish business goals in their own way.
  • Holds people accountable for excellent results and standards.