Determine if the process is right for your company by researching empowerment information

Before you decide to shift to an employee empowerment model, find out what it involves, how it's worked for other companies, and how it might benefit your organization. Many human resources and management publications and Web sites include information about empowerment in the workplace, in addition to case studies from organizations that have implemented their own programs.

I recommend: Learn the basics of employee empowerment at HR.com. At Melcrum, download a free executive summary of its Employee Engagement report, with case study extracts and tips for building an engaged workforce. Find employee empowerment case studies and books at ISBNdb.com.

Foster employee empowerment through personal and professional training and development

Business empowerment for your staff hinges on employees knowing how to make sound decisions with little or no supervision. By providing training to help them strengthen their critical thinking, strategic planning and decision-making skills, for example, you ensure they can act in the best interest of the company.

I recommend: Help employees refine their communications, personal effectiveness and leadership skills with training videos from Employee University. MindLeaders offers employee development e-Learning solutions for corporations, small businesses, government agencies and academic institutions. Download the company's free report, "Why Employee Development Matters--Creating Strategic Advantage Through Your People."

Provide empowerment training to company leadership as well as to staff

Empowerment in business requires that senior management trusts employees' judgment, and is comfortable delegating authority to them. Help them hone their management skills with leadership training, in addition to asking them to participate in the same empowerment training as the rest of the staff.

I recommend: The Training Registry lists employee empowerment training programs across the country, in addition to management and leadership training programs. Or, find empowerment training and management/leadership training programs at the Training Network.