In most companies, the goal-setting process is done as part of the annual budget process or quarterly financial review process. However, many company goals are never shared with the employees who must make them happen. Empowering employees to meet the company's goals means empowering them to help the company succeed. Success depends on a company's willingness to share the results of their efforts with all employees, combined with methods and processes that reward successful performance. Empowering employees gives them direction and support in achieving the company's goals.
Successful companies reward desired behaviors and empower teamwork in achieving the company's goals.
The primary motivators are positive rewards and incentives, rather than fear of punishment. The boat might sputter and spin, it might weave back and forth or it might even sink. When employees work without clear understanding of the company's goals, it is the same as everyone rowing a boat according to their own ideas. The energy expended by employees without good direction is wasted or misused when this happens. Or, their energy may be expended in ways that are considered to be hostile to productivity.