Final answer:
An empowered employee knows their authority by having clear expectations set by their manager, being provided with resources to meet goals, and understanding their place in the organizational chart. A manager can avoid 'creating a monster' by fostering a positive relationship, providing regular feedback, and ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities. Open communication and alignment with the organization's mission are also crucial.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Employee Empowerment and Authority. An empowered employee will know where their authority begins and ends by having clear expectations set by their manager from the start. Managers provide both the accountability for certain outcomes and the resources employees need to achieve their goals. In the initial stages of employment, specific and measurable goals will likely be laid out, broken into time blocks throughout the first year, allowing the employee to chart progress and meet expectations. Knowing where one fits in the organizational chart is essential, and if this is unclear, having a conversation with one's supervisor can clarify responsibilities and authority. To maintain a healthy balance and avoid 'creating a monster,' managers need to foster a positive and mutually productive relationship with their employees, highlighting the importance of respecting authority and staying accountable. Employees are encouraged to take initiative and contribute individually, working proactively and collaboratively to support the team and the organization's broader goals. Regular feedback from the manager can help ensure that the employee doesn't overstep boundaries while maintaining a high degree of initiative and contribution. In essence, communication, clarity in roles, and understanding the manager's influence and expectations are key to ensuring an employee knows their authority's scope. Relationship building, staying professional, and constantly aligning oneself with the organization's mission contribute significantly to job satisfaction and career development, alongside technical skills. It is important for both parties to engage in open dialogues about roles, responsibilities, and boundaries which will encourage a thriving workplace without 'creating a monster.'