How to Deepen the Connection with Your Partner

couple in love

How to Deepen the Connection with Your Partner

Deepen relationships – We’ve been tested over the last few years and couples have been spending more time together but not necessarily quality time. Reports show that divorce rates have been on the rise since the start of the pandemic and it appears to be continuing.

So how do couples keep the spark alive while deepening the connection with each other? Here are some tips on how to reconnect with your partner and make Valentines 2023 special. Deepen relationship:

Take Some Solo Time to Deepen Your Connection with Self

This might sound counter-intuitive for how to deepen your connection with your partner, yet it is the first and most important thing to do.  We can only go as deep with another human-being based on how deep we go with ourselves. We can only love and connect with another based on how deep the well of self love and connection goes within.

Most couples who are unhappy feel it is the other who makes them unhappy.  The most important thing is to find your happiness first, love yourself first then you will be able to bloom in a relationship. The more you cultivate your own self-love, you will raise your vibration and your relationship will shift because of it. And it will shift the way it needs too.

Cultivating a deeper sense of peace and love can be as simple as taking some quiet time for yourself daily.

For example:

  • Journaling
  • Meditating
  • Reading
  • Anything that fills your energetic cup

It is important to express your desire for self-care so that your partner can honour that request, and vice versa.

Emotional Intimacy

Fostering emotional intimacy is as important, if not more important than physical intimacy. We have been starving for emotional intimacy and one of the most powerful ways to foster this is by taking time to connect with no distractions.  That means putting the device away, turning the TV off and actually talking.  The best gift you can give another is the gift of your PRESENCE.

Emotional intimacy is something we should cultivate daily. One of the best ways to do this is to lean into your vulnerability and express your fears and ask them about theirs, share your dreams and goals for this upcoming year. Taking time to talk about the deeper things in life and not just “what’s for diner”  will help the keep the connection deep.  However, the key to remember here is people only want to share and will feel safe to be vulnerable when you are present with them and not distracted. Being present shows you care.

 

Prioritize Each Other

You can only bloom what you choose to nourish.

It is very easy for couples to put their relationship on the backburner especially when the kids are young.  However, the long term effects of this can be detrimental.  Ask yourself how we as a couple are nourishing this relationship. What is important to us both. For one it might be quality time, for another it could be random acts of kindness.  A great book to read is ‘The 5 Love Languages’ by Gary Chapman. It can help you find your, and your partner’s love language so you can better understand how to connect with one another and what is important to each.

Consider date nights

Couples can be creative and have some fun when organizing date night, whether it be a night out or stay at home. If you have kids, this can be something simple like ordering a pizza for the kids and having a candle light dinner together while the kids are distracted with their favourite movie. It’s all about the intention you put behind it. Do you enjoy cooking together? Is there an activity that you can both enjoy doing together?

The most important thing is to remember that your relationship is a priority. When you both decide it is then you will be more mindful on how you nourish it so it can continuously bloom. If you feel you have gotten off track and are feeling disconnected it is okay. You can focus on what you do want to feel and make some changes to take steps towards a deeper connection.

One of the things we always do in our home is remind each other that we are a team, and we have each others back.  This simple reminder when things feel off can help to get you back on track.

Lastly, connecting with your partner is not just about Valentine’s Day, it is about making each other and your relationship a priority all year.

And when you prioritize yourself first, I promise you will have more to give to your partner and also you increase your capacity to receive more love.

Check out Julie’s book “Me First” for more on how to prioritize yourself, for deepening your connections with others.

by Julie Cass

The Positive Change Group

 

Empower Yourself!

Empower Yourself

You like many Canadians might be struggling to keep your mood up and your goals on track. Statistics show only 9% of Canadians stick to their New Years Resolutions. What are we doing wrong and how can you empower yourself?

The key is to approach this from a different perspective and there is only one true way to make anything stick. Your mind needs to decide first and then the body will follow.

I want to share with you 3 simple mindset shifts to create lasting positive habits for a new better feeling you. Setting goals and intentions are needed but upgrading your mindset is what makes healthy habits stick.

3 Mindset Up-grades for a healthy lifestyle:

  1. Re-prioritizing Self – “I am a Priority”
  • Many of us do not believe we are a priority, and until that belief changes it is almost impossible to create self-care habits that stick.
  • Upgrade your belief system by telling yourself over and over again “I am a Priority”.
  • “No time” is no longer an excuse – because you have changed what you prioritize and it is never about time, it is simply about what we prioritize.
  1. Do what feels good
  • Use your feelings as a motivator – everyone wants to feel better so use your feelings as a motivator.
  • Ask yourself: How will this morning walk make me feel?
  • Make a list of all the healthy habits that make you feel better e.g.: hiking outside, skating, clean eating, yoga, meditation, reading, journaling, etc.
  1. Mindset shift – moving from “I have to” to “I get to”
  • Upgrading the mind to “I get to” i.e. – I get to work out, I get to go for a walk, I get to take a yoga class. This will create a shift in your body, and you will feel a level of appreciation rather than another thing on the To-Do list
  • Gratitude and appreciation shifts our attitude and our energy. It is a wonderful self-healing emotion, and we can learn to feel more of it. Using “I get to”, helps you to feel this energy more.

 

The end result is lasting change that becomes a lifestyle rather than a temporary goal or the viscous cycle of healthy vs unhealthy choices. Once it become a lifestyle you don’t even need new years resolutions. You might need a little reset after holiday indulgence but that is easy to achieve.

To really integrate lifestyle changes around food, It is time to start changing your relationship around your own personal health. It must always be a priority no matter what, and your personal health should never be something you negotiate.

When you adopt an ‘I am a priority’ mentality you will always be working towards your own personal alignment with each choice you make throughout the day and your own personal alignment is always about what will FEEL the best for you.

The beautiful thing about this is we allow ourselves to indulge and enjoy, like over the holidays but with a mindful approach.

What is a mindful approach around eating?

A mindful approach is that I am really going to enjoy my food with no guilt or shame. (Which are the lowest energies for us to feel) A mindful approach is I am going to enjoy this delicious piece of chocolate cake with appreciation and joy.  The energy of how you eat is just as important as what you eat. When we eat with guilt, we make our food worse for our health.

Infuse each bite with love an appreciation. Not only will you enjoy it more, but it is easy to self-regulate because you have adopted a healthy lifestyle you might only want one piece of cake and you will still regularly work out and move your body because ultimately it feels better.

In Conclusion…

Don’t beat yourself up around your choices or if you haven’t been able to stick to some new goals.

Remember a couple of key things:
  1. You can hit the reset button at any moment.
  2. Don’t give up on your health
  3. Upgrade your mindset around a healthy lifestyle being top priority
  4. Enjoy food with appreciation and no guilt and you will be able self-regulate with ease.

You have all the power within you to make changes, just know you are a priority first and empower yourself.

For more information and techniques on how to do this, pick-up a copy of my best-selling book ‘Me First’ HERE,

or from Amazon.

by Julie Cass

The Positive Change Group

Creating a Winter Wellness Plan

warming feet by the fireplace

How to Embrace Winter

As we know, many Canadian’s get into a slump around this time of year, as the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder.

Mindset is everything and I have some simple things you can do to help embrace the months ahead.

Creating a Winter Wellness Plan

The winter months can be a time to thrive instead of just plowing through the days, and wishing the time away. It can be a time to create some wonderful memories a time for laughter, a time to thrive with a little sprinkle of warm and cozy.

Having a winter wellness plan allows you to mentally set an intention and a clear path on how to cultivate joy for the season.

Simply set a specific intention on how you are going to embrace the winter. Our minds are so powerful and dictate so much of how we feel, so when we set a clear intention we are priming our mind for happiness and peace no matter how cold it gets outside.

Hear are some intentions I have on my plan:

  1. Really appreciating my warm coat, scarf, mitts and walking my dog every night.
  2. Dusting off my skates and looking for opportunities to embrace the kid in me.
  3. Having cozy candlelit dinners with the family.
  4. Putting something on the calendar to look forward to like a date night with your partner or friend.
  5. Using my diffuser daily  to fill my house and office with warm cozy, uplifting aromas.

Winter Wellness Plan Image

What’s on your winter wellness plan?

Additional Tips to Keep Your Mind Elevated this Winter

Simple pleasures at home can make a difference in shifting your mood and lifting the energy in your home:

  • Light a candle or turn the fireplace on to set a cozy ambiance.
  • Have a nice collection of teas for soothing comfort after a meal. add ref to Yogi tea and makes house smell great.
  • Take a warm bubble bath.
  • Diffuse essential oils like cinnamon, cloves and orange for an uplifting aroma.
  • Cuddle on the coach with your favourite blanket, a good book or uplifting movie.

Anything that creates warmth and comfort in the home also creates it in the mind; don’t you agree?

Winter is an excellent time to take better care of yourself, and we’re here for you. By planning ahead, you can avoid most of the things that lead to stress during this time of year. Take a few minutes to work through a wellness plan so you can stay happy and healthy throughout winter.

More Winter Wellness Tips

  • Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is one of the best ways to reduce stress and improve your mood. If you have trouble falling asleep, try going to bed earlier, or doing something relaxing like reading before bedtime.

  • Plan for Meals and Snacks

You should always have healthy snacks on hand to help you avoid overeating at meals. Try putting together a few different types of snacks to keep things interesting.

  • Practice Breathing Exercises

Inhaling deeply can help you relax and reduce stress levels throughout your body.

  • Connect more with people that feel good to be around.

Connection is important, the right connection will lift your spirits.

  • Get Moving

You should aim to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. It’s best to do this in several short bursts throughout the day rather than one long session. You don’t need to go for a run or lift weights to lower stress and improve your mood. Try going for a walk after dinner, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Find a walking buddy or workout buddy that can help keep you accountable.

  • Last and certainly not least; remember to take time for yourself! Winter is a great time for inner reflection. Daily meditations or journaling can be just what your soul needs for that warm peaceful, self-loving feeling.

 

with Love,

Julie Cass

The Positive Change Group

 

Yogi Tea

Employee Wellness

Yogi Tea Recipe

Here’s a cozy hot tea that makes the whole house smell fabulous.

The simple pleasures is where it’s at in life. With the winter months and the colder weather here, simple pleasures like a spicy warm homemade cup of delightful tea can help shift our energy and feel a sense of gratitude.

This recipe brings me so much joy, not only in making it but also sharing it with friends. I often have a pot of this simmering on the stove during the colder months.

It’s the perfect accompaniment on the sofa, by the fire, or under a warm cozy blanket. The delightful taste of the combined spices is beautiful. It is definitely one for the taste buds and it warms the body and soul with every nurturing sip of this cup of love.

Make it for friends and the whole family to enjoy.

Hope you love this as much as we do!

You can substitute any milk alternative of your choice. i.e. Oat Milk, Almond Milk, etc.

*Here is the original Yogi Bhajan recipe:

Measurements can vary according to your taste. Be careful not to put in too many cloves or cinnamon sticks.

To 3 litres of boiling water add:

  • 20 whole cloves, see them dance!
  • 20 whole green cardamom pods (you can open them up)
  • 20 whole black peppercorns
  • 5 sticks of cinnamon

Continue boiling for 15 – 20 minutes, then add:

  • 1/4 teaspoon of any black tea. After one or two minutes add:
  • 1/2 cup cold milk per cup of remaining liquid

When it returns to the boiling point, remove immediately from heat. (Watch closely so it doesn’t boil over.) Strain and serve with honey to taste, if desired.

The black pepper is a blood purifier, the cardamom is for the colon, the cloves for the nervous system, and the cinnamon for the bones. The milk aids in the easy assimilation of the spices and avoids irritation to the colon. The black tea acts as an alloy for all the ingredients, achieving a new chemical structure which makes the tea a healthy as well as delicious drink.

Slices of fresh ginger root may also be included, especially when you are suffering from a cold, recovering from the flu, or you just want extra energy.

*This recipe is from the Book; Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power. It was printed with permission from Copyright 1969 Yogi Bhajan.

with Love,

Julie

 

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce

Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce

 

There is something so soothing and comforting about having a pot of cranberry sauce on the stove preparing for the holidays. Maybe it is the anticipation of gatherings with friends and family or the appreciation of making my food from scratch. It also fills the home with a beautiful smell that warms the soul. 

 

I have made this recipe for years during the holidays with my mother-in-law. It is so simple that I often will make a few batches and preserve it for the winter months. Fresh cranberry season is October in Ontario, right around Thanksgiving so a great time to make it to go with your turkey dinner. 

 

Yes I love serving this over Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner but it is also great in wraps, or turkey sandwiches. I love it with a roasted chicken dinner and squash. It is wonderful on some crostini with goat cheese and a dollop right on top, and a wonderful accompaniment to any cheese and charcuterie board. 

Enjoy with love,

Julie

 

Ingredients:

5-8 cups of cranberries

1 cup of water

2 cups of sugar*

1 orange (zest and juice)

1 lemon (zest and juice)

1 tsp cloves

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp cinnamon

1 cinnamon stick

 

Steps:

Place cranberries, water and all other ingredients in a pot.

Let simmer on low until most of the cranberries pop. 

Stir occasionally. 

Feel free to add more spice to taste. 

Remove cinnamon stick when done. 

 

Storage:

Store in the fridge for 3-5 days. 

Follow the canning guidelines to store for winter. 

I always want to save some for Christmas when I make this and over the winter so I usually boil my jars in a pot for 15 minutes. 

 

*I like my cranberry sauce tarte so I add less sugar. Usually 1 ½ cups. 

 

So easy and delicious!

 

Creating your business vision to help you scale

Creating your business vision to help you scale

The entrepreneurial journey is one of major personal growth. Creating a vision for your life around your health and wellness and setting personal goals is extremely important when it comes to keeping your mind balanced and in check. Likewise, creating a vision for your business is equally as important for scaling and growing your business. 

While performance, budgeting, and money are all very important aspects of scaling and something that every business should do, it’s not the core of scaling. Creating a vision to scale your business involves getting a clear picture in your mind of where you see your business going. This picture involves the customers you’d like to serve, the different revenue streams that your business will create, the employees you’ll be hiring, the physical space where you would like to operate, and so on. 

A clear vision of how you will feel once you achieve this business growth is also very vital to the process, as you are connecting your mind with your emotions. The clearer you are able to get, the better. Whether it’s writing it down or adding pictures to help tie what you see in your mind to a clearer vision. This will help you stay on track, get clarity, and keep your eye on the prize. 

Tips to remember as your scale your biz

Once your vision is clear, it is time to get ready for growth and scaling your business. Below are 4 important things to remember as you scale your biz:

Flexibility

When we create a vision for scaling our business, our main focus tends to be the ‘what.’ Sometimes, when we are too focused on the ‘how’ we become too rigid in our approach. Being able to pivot and be flexible is super important on this journey. Flexibility allows us to be able to thrive, even in the face of adversity. This was proven by businesses that were able to stay flexible during the pandemic. 

Learn to pivot

Flexibility and pivoting go hand in hand, and are essential for entrepreneurs. Sometimes we need to pivot and change our model to better suit the current conditions of the business environment. Learning to pivot in unexpected situations is key to sustaining growth. 

Don’t give up at “no”

On this journey, you are going to get no’s; it’s inevitable. But the good thing is that you’re also going to get yesses, but you have to keep going past the no’s. When you understand and believe in your mission and core values of your business, a ‘no’ should not stop you. You have to remember that a ‘no’ from someone does not mean a ‘no’ from everyone. There are always people who will need and want your services.

Remember your “why”

 When you create a vision to scale your business, the deeper meaning behind it should lead back to why you want to do it. Keeping anchored to your “why” is going to help you to stay on course and focused and help you to scale your business. For most entrepreneurs, it’s more than just dollars and cents. It’s about creating impact. This is what will keep you going. 

So, while spreadsheets and budgets are important, one of the most important things about scaling your business is having a clear vision. Those key points listed above will help you to scale, stay on track, and grow the business of your dreams. 

For more help on scaling your business, book a discovery call! I’ll be happy to work with you on specific takeaways that you could implement right away. 

by Julie Cass

The Positive Change Group

Yummy Homemade Granola

Yummy Homemade Granola

Get cozy with this delicious homemade granola that will make your whole house smell so inviting.

Our entire family loves this granola and whenever we serve it to our guests I get asked for the recipe. It is indeed a keeper for the recipe books.

It’s crunchy and delicious, and every bite leaves you with so much tastebud pleasure. Store-bought granola can be loaded with sugar, so this homemade version is a healthy and delicious option that is easy to make.

Your home will smell like a bakery and feel so warm and inviting. I love making this before the kids get home as they always comment on the amazing smell.  We have been making this recipe for years and have adapted it over time.  Feel free to make any substitutions. You can even eliminate the double bake if you like your granola texture chewier.

 

Ingredients:

1 cup of quick oats

½ cup of sesame seeds

½ cup sunflower seeds

½ cup pistachios

½ cup sliced almonds (or whole and just crush them a bit)

½ cup unsalted cashews (optional)

½ cup of pumpkin seeds

½ cup unsweetened coconut

¼ cup of hemp hearts (optional but great for added protein)

¼ – ½ cup of honey or maple syrup

1 tbsp. of melted butter

¼ cup of melted coconut oil

¼ cup dried cherries, blueberries, or cranberries (optional)

 

Steps:

Toast seeds, nuts, and oatmeal on a cookie sheet in the oven, set at 350 degrees for about 10 -15 minutes, until golden brown.

Meanwhile melt coconut oil, butter, and honey or maple syrup in a pan.

Mix with toasted nuts and oatmeal when ready.

Add dried fruit, *coconut, and hemp hearts.

Put back into the oven for 5 minutes to create chunky granola.

If you are skipping the double bake, add the coconut for the last 5 minutes to get a nice golden brown color.

Store in an airtight container for a week but I doubt it won’t last that long.😊

This recipe is great for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Wonderful when served with thick Greek yoghurt and berries.

When I am hosting a brunch, I serve this in small mason jars and make individual granola parfaits.

Granola Parfait

Enjoy with love.

Quick and Healthy Banana Oat Muffins (gf)

Muffin Recipte

I whipped up a batch of these one afternoon with a few minutes to spare and a couple of ripe bananas that needed a use and the whole family loved them.

I also had a bag of almond meal that needed some of my love as I hadn’t used it in a while. I am always a little skeptical of using almond flour as the texture can be less appealing for some, especially my kids. However, these muffins turned out to be light and airy considering they have no gluten.

This delicious and nutritious muffing recipe that is packed with protein, makes for guilt free enjoyment which is the way it is supposed to be.

This is my kind of baking because it is super easy, super healthy and super yummy!

I love these for a quick light morning breakfast or to enjoy at the office with my afternoon tea!

I hope you love them too.

Enjoy

Julie Cass

Quick and Healthy Banana Oat Muffins

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line your muffin tray with paper muffin cups.

You will need:

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup almond meal

3/4 cup oats

1/4 cup hemp hearts

Handful of chopped pecans

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Wet Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas

2 eggs

1/4 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

Options:

Handful dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Mix wet ingredients. Mix dry ingredients.

Incorporate the wet and dry mixed ingredients and add chocolate chips. Scoop the batter into muffin trays and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Your home will be filled with the warm cozy smell of fresh baked muffins. There is nothing like the smell of homemade baking and I also love that I know exactly what I put in, so I don’t worry about sugar or artificial ingredients.  Made with great, simple ingredients and a whole lot of love.

This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your likes, if you don’t like pecans substitute for any other nut or omit.  I like the crunch and texture the pecans add to this recipe.  Walnuts would also be fabulous.

The Positive Change Group

5 time-saving measures you can do right now

5 time-saving measures you can do right now

So much of our overall success in our careers and our day-to-day lives are determined by our time management philosophy. There are so many diversions these days that we might waste hours without even realizing it.

And while leisure and downtime are absolutely important, you really may have a problem with time management if you’re averaging 6+ hours a day of screen time from scrolling through social media. 

How Time Management Plays A Major Role In Your Success

Time management is about strategizing and planning your available time to match each task you have each day. However, in order for it to be effective, you must stick as closely to the allotted time frame for each task as possible. It comes more naturally to some people than others, but it really boils down to discipline and habits. 

Time management is also linked to what you value. I always say if you value it, you will make time for it. Valuing your mental health should be top of your list.

Poor time management skills can lead to:

  • Missed deadlines
  • Increased stress levels
  • Lack of work-life balance
  • Poor work quality 
  • Ruining your professional reputation
  • Damaging relationships in your personal life

All these reasons are why having an effective time management strategy is truly a major key to your success. 

5 Best Tips to Improve Your Time Management Skills

If you have trouble completing tasks within a reasonable time frame, there are some tips you can apply to yield better results.

  1. Set your priorities and connect them to your values – Some tasks will naturally weigh more heavily on the importance scale than others. Organizing your day and prioritizing are the two first steps in effective time management. Utilizing to-do lists and time management apps could also be huge in helping you to track your time and keep your day in check. 
  2. Avoid Distractions – This is sometimes much easier said than done; however, if we’re honest, unnecessary distractions are one of the biggest causes of bad time management. Some distractions are unavoidable, for instance, if you work from home and have young children home with you, or an ill or elderly family member you’re caring for. But, if your problem is with electronics, putting your phone on ‘do not disturb’ or keeping it out of sight until you’ve completed your tasks is a good way to limit that distraction.
  3. Avoid multitasking – The ability to multitask is valued in today’s culture, but it may damage your time management. Taking on an overwhelming amount of tasks to complete within a short period could affect your efficiency and accuracy. Your productivity will increase if your full attention is devoted to the task at hand instead of being split. You will also be able to complete each task more quickly.
  4. Learn to say no – This tip goes hand in hand with avoiding multitasking. We can sometimes endure guilt for not being able to say yes to every call or knock.  The truth is this could lead to serious burnout. You must set a workload limit and accept the reality that you cannot say yes to everything.
  5. Take breaks – If you have huge tasks set out, it could be tempting to want to complete them all at once. However, this could lead to burnout and have serious implications on your mental health. 

Taking a short break for a few minutes every couple of hours. It can help you to recharge and bring fresh ideas and energy to your tasks.

It’s also important to remember not to skip out on meals to complete the tasks more quickly. Eating will refuel your body and provide you with the sustained energy you need to complete tasks. 

Once you have mastered effective time management, you will see a huge improvement in your quality of work, and overall quality and balance between work and life. 

To help you with your time management needs try my Healthy Mind, Body, and Business Weekly Planner.

by Julie Cass

The Positive Change Group

Employee Empowerment: How to make your employees feel empowered

Employee Empowerment: How to make your employees feel empowered

How You Can Make Your Employees Feel Empowered

Empowering employees is one of the most motivating things you can do. Empowering employees means giving your team members permission to take action and make decisions within your organization. It also implies trust and understanding and allows your employees to feel more part of the process and a bigger contributor to the results.

Empowering employees is important for growing a sustainable business. While many companies may grow ground-up from one or two entrepreneurs’ time and dedication, true growth is the product of multiple people working together. “Multiplying” yourself (as opposed to a strict leader-follower mindset) multiplies your organization’s strength and capabilities.

Motivating and empowering employees is vital for leaders of all levels. Research shows employee empowerment leads to higher job satisfaction, improved work performance, and greater organizational commitment.

Whether you’re a seasoned or aspiring leader, understanding how you can enable your colleagues to reach their full potential has several benefits. Here are some ways to empower your employees and cultivate a winning team.

What is employee empowerment?

Employee empowerment is a management philosophy emphasizing the importance of giving employees the autonomy, resources, and support they need to act independently and be held accountable for their decisions.

Employee empowerment can significantly impact employee satisfaction, productivity, and engagement. The hallmark of this approach is a willingness among leaders and managers to share power with their teams to achieve better results for the company, employees, and customers or clients.

Knowing how to motivate and empower employees

The benefits of employee empowerment

Empowering employees may boost morale, increase productivity, foster innovation, and increase retention, positively impacting the company’s bottom line.

Motivate employees

According to research, employee motivation is directly connected to increasing employee autonomy. More control over the time, place, and manner workers do their duties has increased productivity. On the other hand, employees will put their best foot forward if they get the opportunity to show off their talents.

Greater trust in leadership

According to a meta-analysis published in Harvard Business Review, leaders who empower their staff are more trusted by their subordinates than leaders who do not empower their employees. To be clear, this does not mean that empowering staff means handing over tasks that managers don’t like. Empowered leaders act as coaches, encouraging and supporting their employees as they strive for excellence. 

Improved creativity

In the same Harvard meta-analysis, leaders perceived as empowering that have direct reports and were more likely to be rated by their colleagues as highly creative. Unsurprisingly, subordinates who allowed their employees to think for themselves and collaborate across teams generated more novel ideas. 

Additionally, direct reports who felt empowered were more likely to volunteer for extra assignments and support their organizations outside their day-to-day job function. Psychologists suspected that empowered individuals were more committed to meaningful goals and used their creativity to achieve them.

A stronger bottom line

Companies that promote employee empowerment perform better than those that don’t. Businesses with highly motivated workers are 21 percent more profitable. Conversely, disengaged employees in the U.S. cost businesses a staggering $450 to $550 billion yearly.

4 steps for empowering employees in the workplace

Empowering people has many advantages, but establishing it as part of a company’s culture requires substantial effort. Follow these four steps to begin establishing best practices throughout your business.

1.) Feedback reveals how to empower your workforce effectively

When a company’s empowerment plan is implemented, individual personnel and the company’s culture must be considered. Spend time figuring out which forms of employee empowerment are most effective for your group. And empower employees to provide feedback to managers and senior leadership from the start of their time with the company, so they get into the habit, and any early issues can be identified and addressed. It’s important to use the correct engagement solution to facilitate open, honest interactions between workers and executives. In doing so, it order to empower everyone and build trust.

2.) Recognize to empower

More than twice as many employees engage in companies with a high rate of employee recognition, according to Brandon Hall Group’s Culture of Recognition Pulse Survey; and so Workplaces with high employee recognition are 79% more likely to have a high brand rating. Platforms for employee recognition demonstrate NPS boost ratings and raise stock values, in addition to enhancing individual performance.

3.) Provide opportunities for professional growth — and the necessary support

40% of workers who get subpar training quit their jobs within five years, according to HR experts. 

HR must also ensure its employees have a clear route to promotion within the organization.  Employees who are serious about advancing their careers should have access to a variety of resources, including coaching, mentorship, and training, to help them get there. If you’re looking to enhance morale and give your staff a sense of direction, try forming mentor connections with more senior employees. The seasoned boss and the newly hired employee may benefit from the other’s knowledge and expertise. Employees will not benefit much from the partnership if psychological safety is neglected.

4.) Make empowerment part of your organization’s culture and vision

A culture of empowerment can only be fostered by leaders who see their job as a support system for their staff. Think of methods for current employees to mentor new hires or set up mentorship circles. Everyone on your team, from HR to managers to upper-level executives, must feel empowered if you want your business to succeed.  An excellent starting point is to listen to and recognize workers, and to have an impact on the whole business, this must be done regularly. 

Therefore, a culture of continuity is created when people are empowered to face any challenges that may come their way, even a worldwide epidemic.

The Positive Change Group is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs and leaders by giving them the tools they need. Book a strategy call today.