Empowering others has been a central theme in my journey as the owner of In The Deep. Over the past twenty years, I've faced many challenges in empowering both my team of teachers, and their swim school students. It could be a young child learning to swim. Or, it could be a new teacher finding their footing. The process needs patience, talking, and support. Through trial and error, I've found key strategies. They've helped me work through these challenges. They help to create an empowering culture. Here are ten lessons I've learned on how to empower others effectively.

1. Communicate again and again

Effective communication is the cornerstone of empowerment. I’ve learned to adjust my communication style to engage both visual and kinaesthetic learners. In the pool, you demonstrate a new skill through another student's movements. You bring awareness and remind them to feel what they're doing. You create vivid, relatable stories to explain ideas. This multi-sensory approach ensures that everyone understands the lesson in a way that resonates with them. This approach paints a whole picture of what we're learning.

For my team, regular meetings and check-ins create an open dialogue where they feel heard and valued. This prevents misunderstandings. It also helps create a collaborative environment. In this environment, ideas and feedback are freely exchanged, contributing to our innovative nature.

2. Practice patience

Patience is essential, whether I'm teaching a child or training a new staff member. Early on, I used to get frustrated when people didn’t grasp things quickly. Over time, I’ve learned to view my role as a guide, empowering others to navigate their learning journey at their own pace. Introduce concepts slowly. Allow time for practice. This helps children and team members gain confidence and skills better. I believe patience fosters a positive learning environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than failures. This approach encourages a growth mindset. It makes us want to persevere through challenges and keep improving. It does so without the fear of judgment or criticism.

3. Create a safe space for mistakes

Mistakes are inevitable and should be viewed as learning opportunities. Creating a safe space where mistakes are not only accepted but expected allows our students and teachers to take risks and grow. For my team, this means involving them in problem-solving rather than fixing issues myself. For children, it means reassuring them that it’s okay to make mistakes and guiding them gently towards improvement. By normalising mistakes, we reduce the fear of failure and encourage a culture of growth. This safe space also builds resilience. People learn to recover from setbacks and gain problem-solving skills. These skills are crucial for personal and professional growth.

4. Make decisions, together

Involving others in decision-making processes leads to a sense of ownership and investment. Whether it’s developing a new teaching strategy or tweaking an existing one, I love to involve my team in discussions and deeply value their input. It not only empowers them but also leads to better, more inclusive solutions. I've noticed when my team feel they have a voice, they are much more likely to take initiative and contribute proactively. This sense of ownership enhances their commitment to our vision at In The Deep. We all get to feel responsible for our collective success. Empowering others through shared decision-making leads to a more dynamic and motivated team!

5. Have a vision

Having a clear vision aligns and motivates everyone towards a common goal. During our kickoff meetings, I share our vision and goals for the year. This not only helps me stay focused but also inspires the team to work towards something meaningful. For our students, sharing a vision of their potential and celebrating their progress towards achieving it can be incredibly motivating. A well-communicated vision provides direction and purpose, guiding daily actions and long-term strategies. It also inspires during tough times. It reminds everyone of the big picture and the impact of their efforts. By aligning goals with an overarching vision, we create a cohesive and motivated team working towards a shared goal.

6. Cultivate your culture

Creating the right culture is key to maintaining motivation and continuous learning. At In The Deep, we celebrate every achievement, no matter how small, to reinforce positive behaviour. Feedback is constructive. It is given to help the person grow. It is always framed in the context of their progress and potential. Celebrations boost morale and acknowledge hard work, fostering a positive and encouraging environment. Meanwhile, helpful feedback is constructive. It is delivered thoughtfully. It helps people see where to improve and develop their skills. This balanced approach ensures that everyone feels appreciated for their efforts. It also guides them towards continuous growth.

7. Make it fun!

Mary Poppins was right, fun is a powerful motivator! We add a big sense of play into everything we do, to make hard work enjoyable and complex learning easier. Our team will go to great lengths in keeping the atmosphere full of fun so we all stay engaged and motivated. Fun activities, like dress-ups and dad-jokes, break the monotony of routine. They add energy to learning, making it engaging and memorable. For my team, fun challenges and team-building activities help to create a positive culture. For children, fun lessons create a love for learning and make the development of new skills a more joyful experience.

Integrating fun into hard work not only enhances motivation but also strengthens the bonds within the team and with our students.

8. It’s not about you!

One of the hardest lessons I've learned is not to take things personally. When kids aren’t listening or a staff member makes a mistake, it’s not a reflection of me. It’s about finding new ways to communicate and connect to empower others. This shift helps me stay calm. It lets me focus on finding a cure, not on getting frustrated. When we remove our ego from the equation, we create an environment where feedback is seen as constructive rather than critical. Mutual respect and understanding, allow space for more effective communication and problem-solving. Recognising that challenges are part of the process helps keep a productive learning atmosphere. We strive to help everyone feel seen and understood.

9. Stay calm and carry on

Unexpected situations are a given, whether it’s a child struggling with a new skill or a sudden drop in enrolments. Staying calm and composed in these moments sets the tone for how others respond. Modelling a sense of calm amongst the chaos, I believe empowers others to handle challenges with more confidence. I've come to discover that calmness in the face of adversity also builds trust, as others see you as a reliable and steady leader. It encourages proactive, not reactive problem-solving. Issues are addressed methodically and effectively. This helps with immediate challenges. It also builds resilience in others. It readies them to handle future uncertainties, whether in the pool or out!

10. We all see, hear, and feel things differently

Understanding that everyone has a unique perspective and learning style is crucial to empower others. I try to connect with each person at their level. I ask questions to understand their needs and tailor my approach accordingly. Practising empathy and flexibility creates a deeper connection. It also leads to more effective teaching and leadership. Recognising and respecting our unique differences creates an inclusive environment. In it, everyone feels seen and valued. This is so important to our swim school. It boosts engagement and learning. People feel their needs and views are heard and addressed. We embrace diversity in communication and teaching styles. This creates a richer learning experience that helps everyone!

Wondering how you can begin to empower others in your sphere?

One piece of advice I'd give to anyone looking to become a more empowering leader is to genuinely understand and care for the people you're leading. Take the time to listen to their concerns, understand their strengths, and help them see their potential when they're in the weeds. To me, empowerment is about making an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This allows them to reach their full potential. I hope these lessons along my journey to being a leader, can help you build a strong foundation for empowering others in any setting! Interested in learning more about how we create an empowering learning environment for kids in their swim lessons? Click here.

Sea you in the water,
x Sasha