The Lens of Empowerment: Why Great Leaders Release, Not Retain

When you think of great leaders, you might picture charisma, vision, or drive. But according to John Maxwell, one of the greatest marks of leadership is empowerment — the ability to trust, equip, and release others to rise.

Through the Lens of Empowerment, leadership shifts from control to release, from managing tasks to multiplying leaders. Insecure leaders hoard power, fearing replacement or failure. Secure leaders, however, know their value isn’t diminished when others succeed — it’s multiplied.

If you’re a student leader, emerging professional, or seasoned executive, understanding empowerment will transform how you lead.

Why Empowerment Matters

Empowerment is not an accident. It requires intention, patience, and courage. When leaders empower, they:

• You multiply effectiveness and influence

• You build trust, momentum, and initiative

• You release hidden gifts and potential in people

• You create succession, sustainability, and legacy

• You free yourself to focus on what only you can do

• You turn good leadership into significant leadership

Whether you’re leading yourself, a small team, or a whole organisation, empowerment elevates everyone. It creates leaders who don’t just follow — they carry the vision forward.

How Empowerment Works

John Maxwell describes six clear steps in the empowerment process:

1. Believe in People – True empowerment begins with belief. People rise when they know their leader believes in them.

2. Position Them Well – Empowering means aligning strengths with the right roles.

3. Equip Them – Before you release someone, train them. Teach, model, and walk with them through success.

4. Give Them an Opportunity – Real growth comes when people “run the ball” and gain wins.

5. Coach Them – Leaders stay alongside, offering feedback and encouragement.

6. Empower Them – At last, release authority and ownership. Trust them to lead and multiply others.

This is not just a process for leaders in business or politics. It begins with self-leadership — learning to trust yourself, align with your strengths, and step into opportunities that grow your confidence.

Empowerment for Students

For high school students, this lens offers a powerful truth: leadership is not about waiting for a title or position, but about using your influence now.

Through the Visioneering NextGen Student Leadership Program in Australia, students learn how to:

• Grow self-confidence and resilience

• Influence others positively

• Turn small wins into momentum

• Lead themselves well before leading others

👉 Discover more: verachin.com/studentcoaching

Empowerment for Leaders

For emerging, aspiring, and seasoned leaders, empowerment is the difference between being busy and being significant.

The Visioneering Leadership Development Pathway (Australia) equips professionals to:

• Build credibility and influence

• Multiply leadership capacity in their organisation

• Empower teams instead of micromanaging

• Create a culture of trust and shared ownership

👉 Learn more: verachin.com/event

Closing Thought

The greatest leaders know their legacy is not in the power they held, but in the power they released. Empowerment transforms individuals, teams, and organisations — and it begins with you.

Are you ready to see through the Lens of Empowerment?

🤍 Vera
Leadership & Communication Coach
Founder of The Honesty Lab & verachin.com