“Empower” has become something of a buzzword.

It’s not a bad buzzword, mind you. But like most buzzwords, we use it while not knowing exactly what it means. It sounds great to say that leadership should be “empowering others.”

But what does that mean?

Two factors must be in play.

1. Confidence

Leaders encourage people to take risks. To make. To step out. To do the impossible — or at least the near impossible. It is incredibly rewarding to stay the right words and provide the right encouragement that helps people do great things. The people who have been most influential in my life have not necessarily imparted new knowledge. They have inevitably imparted new confidence.

2. Competence

Competence is not the same as knowledge. Knowing is not the same as the ability to do. To feel empowered is to be armed with the knowledge that this thing I’m stepping into is something that’s well within my skill set. And the things not in my skill set are well within my ability to learn. And to master. Leaders who impart competence do more than allow their people opportunities for professional development. They allow people to try and to fail. To fail quickly and to step back into the game and try again. These leaders coach without controlling. They celebrate greater competency.

When a person has competence and confidence, they are empowered. They have the agency necessary to make wise choices for themselves.

Good leadership assists with both.