Empowering Your Staff: Strategies for Growth Through Side Projects and Trust

Empowering employees is more than a management buzzword. It is a practical approach that helps individuals grow, feel valued, and contribute meaningfully to an organization. When staff members have the chance to explore side projects, develop personally and professionally, and enjoy trust and freedom in their roles, they become more engaged and productive. This article explores how leaders can create an environment where empowerment thrives, focusing on three key strategies: encouraging side projects, supporting development, and building trust with freedom.

Employee working on a creative side project, fostering growth and innovation

Encouraging Side Projects to Spark Innovation and Growth

Side projects offer employees a chance to explore ideas outside their daily tasks. These projects can be related to work or completely different, but both types bring value.

• Boost creativity: When employees work on side projects, they often experiment with new skills or approaches. This creativity can spill over into their main job.

• Increase motivation: Side projects give staff ownership over something meaningful to them. This sense of ownership increases motivation and job satisfaction.

• Develop new skills: Employees learn by doing. Side projects provide a low-risk way to try new tools, techniques, or roles.

• Identify hidden talents: Leaders can discover skills and interests that might not emerge in regular work.

  
  

For example, a software developer might create a small app outside work hours that solves a common problem. Later, this app could inspire improvements in the company’s main product. Or a marketing team member might explore graphic design through a side project, eventually contributing fresh ideas to campaigns.

To support side projects, leaders can:

• Allocate time during the week for personal projects.

• Provide resources like software or workspace.

• Celebrate and share successes from side projects within the team.

  
  

Supporting Personal and Professional Development

Growth happens when employees have opportunities to learn and improve. Personal and professional development helps staff build confidence and skills that benefit both them and the organization.

• Offer training and workshops: Regular learning sessions keep skills sharp and introduce new concepts.

• Encourage goal setting: Help employees set clear, achievable goals for their growth.

• Provide mentorship: Pairing less experienced staff with mentors accelerates learning.

• Support external learning: Subsidize courses, conferences, or certifications that align with employees’ interests.

  
  

For instance, a company might sponsor an employee to attend a leadership workshop. Afterward, the employee applies new communication techniques that improve team collaboration. Another example is encouraging staff to read books or listen to podcasts related to their roles and discuss insights with colleagues.

Development plans should be personalized. Not everyone wants the same skills or career path. By understanding individual goals, managers can tailor support and show genuine interest in their team’s future.

Building Trust and Freedom to Make Decisions

Trust is the foundation of empowerment. When employees feel trusted, they take ownership and make decisions confidently. Leaders who micromanage or restrict choices limit growth and innovation.

Ways to build trust and freedom include:

• Delegate meaningful tasks: Assign responsibilities that challenge employees and allow them to make decisions.

• Avoid unnecessary approvals: Let staff handle routine decisions without constant oversight.

• Encourage problem-solving: Support employees in finding solutions rather than just following instructions.

• Be transparent: Share information openly so employees understand the bigger picture.

  
  

For example, a manager might allow a team member to lead a client presentation without stepping in unless asked. This freedom builds confidence and shows trust. Another case is letting employees choose how to organize their workday, which can improve productivity and job satisfaction.

Trust also means accepting mistakes as part of learning. When employees know they won’t be punished for honest errors, they take more initiative and innovate more freely.

Bringing It All Together

Empowering staff through side projects, development, and trust creates a positive cycle. Side projects spark creativity and skill growth. Development opportunities build confidence and expertise. Trust and freedom encourage employees to apply what they learn and take ownership.

Leaders who invest in these areas see benefits like higher engagement, better retention, and stronger performance. Empowerment is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment to supporting people as whole individuals.

Start by identifying small ways to give your team more freedom and chances to grow. Encourage side projects that align with their passions. Support learning tailored to their goals. Build trust by stepping back and letting them lead.

When employees feel empowered, they bring their best selves to work. That energy drives success for everyone.