Empowering Others: The Heartbeat of Lasting Leadership

As we move deeper into the year, I’m reminded of a leadership truth that has echoed throughout every chapter of my journey—whether in uniform, in public service, or in boardrooms:

The best leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders!

This month, we’re focusing on a foundational principle that’s easy to overlook but essential for long-term success: Empowering Others.

In my early days as a young Army officer, I believed leadership meant having the answers and carrying the weight alone. But over the decades—through combat zones, city streets, and now leadership consulting—I’ve learned that leadership isn't about how much you can do. It's about how many others you can equip, encourage, and empower to carry the mission forward.

Why Empowerment Matters More Than Ever

We live in a world that’s changing faster than ever. No one person can keep pace alone. The weight of leadership is too heavy for a single set of shoulders—but it becomes manageable when we lift together.

When people are empowered, they don’t just perform—they own the mission. They think differently. They lead differently. And they bring solutions you never would’ve imagined on your own.

At A.C. Roper & Associates, we work with leaders who want more than temporary wins—they want transformation. And transformation requires empowered teams at every level.

Three Ways to Empower Others This Month

1. Give Them the ‘Why’—Not Just the ‘What’

One of the most common leadership mistakes is delegating a task without sharing the purpose behind it. When people understand the bigger picture, they engage with more energy and ownership.

Whether I was deploying Soldiers or leading officers through challenging community dynamics, sharing the “why” turned tasks into missions—and missions into movements.

2. Transfer Trust Along with Responsibility

Empowerment is more than giving someone a job—it’s showing them that you trust them to handle it. That means giving room to decide, lead, even fail and grow. When people feel trusted, they rise.

Ask yourself:Who in my organization is ready for more—if I’ll just let go and trust them to lead?

3. Coach Them Forward

Empowerment is not abandonment. Leaders stay connected. Encourage progress. Offer feedback. Celebrate their wins—especially when no one else sees the effort they’re putting in.

When people know you’re in their corner, they lead with greater confidence.

Legacy Is Built Through People

One of the greatest joys in leadership is watching those you’ve mentored step into their own calling. I’ve experienced this many times—watching former team members rise into positions of leadership and influence. That’s the true reward: a ripple effect that continues long after you’ve stepped away.

And let me say this—empowerment isn’t limited to the workplace.It’s needed in our homes, our churches, and our communities. Your encouragement might be the very thing that unlocks someone’s next chapter.

Faith, Leadership, and Empowerment

Empowering others also requires faith. Jesus empowered twelve ordinary men and sent them out to change the world. He didn’t choose perfection—He chose potential. He saw what they could become. That’s what we’re called to do as leaders: see the possibility in others and help draw it out.

What’s Your Move?

This month, I challenge you to identify one person in your sphere of influence:

• Who’s ready to be empowered?

• Who needs your trust more than your instructions?

• Who could lead—if you gave them the chance?

Let’s remember: your greatest legacy may not be what you do, but who you empower.

Connect at https://www.acroper.net/ for updates regarding my exciting new book on legacy and leadership. 🗝️

Next month, we’ll talk about the power of collaboration and partnership—another leadership multiplier. But for now, lead well, and lift someone higher.

To your growth and legacy,

A.C. Roper

Lieutenant General, U.S. Army, Retired

A.C. Roper & Associates

CEO | Consultant | Author