Why I refuse to “empower” anyone!
I want to take you into a meeting I had with my HQ team this week. During Community Time, I asked everyone to share a word that sums up their vision for the year ahead. I heard so many great things as folks thoughtfully shared why/how this sums up their state of mind and hopefully their 2024 state of being. Words like.... Explore, Ease, Cultivate, and EnjoyTheProcess (3 words as one are fully acceptable at DivaDance (always one word like Beyoncé!)
As I was thinking-googling-TikToksearching-ChatGPTing in preparation for the moment of presenting MY word, I wanted something that emphasized my vision of inspiring people, maximizing time, having rich relationships, having fun and joy every day, elevating others and realizing the potential of myself, our company, and everyone around me.
EMPOWERMENT!
Empower means to make someone stronger and more confident.
Cool..... but like... then what?
:::::: types into ChatGPT .... "what's a word that's like empower but less basic? ::::::::: I can't have a BASIC word in 2024 - absolutely not.
I was stopped in my tracks as Artificial Intelligence spit out the literal-perfect-word: EMBOLDEN - To give someone the courage or confidence to do something.
YES. THAT. My vision for 2024 is to not just "empower" and "inspire" my team - that's not enough. How can we MULTIPLY the impact of empowerment and inspiration?
When I can EMBOLDEN my DivaDance HQ it doesn't just mean temporarily inspiring them with a cool quote or sharing a book that could help them learn - it's so much more (and by the way - even more work on my part, but so worth it). When my team is EMBOLDENED, they are more sturdy... they are more successful in helping our franchisees, they love themselves and their job more, and their momentum and courageous confidence is.... what's another word that doesn't start with C?…. fuck it - CONTAGIOUS!
I hope Founder Friday doesn't just EMPOWER you but it EMBOLDENS you! If it has, I'd love to know about it - respond anytime!