Why every leader and mentor should empower people to think and lead
“Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves.” — L. David Marquet
1. The Problem
Many organizations are filled with people waiting for permission. Leaders hold the authority, make the decisions, and unintentionally train their teams to follow instead of think. This control-based model limits initiative and creates dependency. The challenge for modern leaders is to replace command and control with trust and empowerment.
2. Summary and Why Leaders Should Read It
In Turn the Ship Around!, former U.S. Navy submarine captain L. David Marquet shares how he transformed one of the worst-performing crews in the Navy into one of the best by giving control, not taking it. Instead of issuing orders, he built a culture of intent-based leadership, where each sailor was expected to think, decide, and act within their role.
For mentors and leaders, this book demonstrates that influence grows when power is shared. Marquet’s method proves that excellence is not achieved by having one great leader but by creating many capable leaders throughout the organization. By trusting people with responsibility and holding them accountable for results, leaders unleash initiative, creativity, and commitment.
3. Practical Applications
- Give Control, Not Orders: Replace “What should I do?” with “What do you intend to do?” This invites ownership and decision-making.
- Push Authority to Information: Let the people closest to the problem make the call. They usually have the clearest view.
- Train for Competence: Empowerment without skill leads to chaos. Invest in developing your team’s knowledge so they can act confidently.
- Create a Speak-Up Culture: Reward input and questions. When people feel safe to challenge ideas, they improve the mission.
“Don’t move information to authority. Move authority to information.”
Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room. It is about creating a room full of people who think, decide, and lead together. When you empower others, you multiply the impact of your leadership.
Grab your copy on Amazon: Turn the Ship Around! by L. David Marquet
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, but I only recommend books that have influenced how I lead and mentor.)
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