Turn The Ship Around!, David Marquet, 2015

Leadership isn’t about giving power—it’s about helping people see their own worth and potential. The goal? Emancipated individuals who thrive without constant oversight.

1. Start with the Team

Great plans fail if the team can’t execute. Ask:

• What do you hope I’ll change?
• What obstacles are holding you back?
• If you were in my position, what would you do first?

2. Move Authority to Information

Don’t hoard decisions. Push authority to where the work happens. Ask:

• “What would it take for you to own this?”
• “How can I help you make the call?”

3. Focus on Competence and Clarity

Build confidence by letting people take initiative:

• Use “I intend to…” to shift from passive to active leadership.
• Specify outcomes, not methods, and let them find the path.
• Replace briefings with questions and celebrate wins immediately.

Final Thought: Emancipate, Don’t Empower

Empowerment assumes you grant power. Emancipation trusts in their existing genius. Start tomorrow: let them own a decision and step back.

True growth begins when you let go of control—for them, and for you.