A recent Wall Street Journal special section (Oct 1, 2007) indicated that one of the unique features of many small companies, and what makes them a great place to work, is their ability to empower employees to make decisions.  Further, those same employees subsequently believe they have a future at that company.  For both large and small companies struggling to retain talent, or even develop talent, this message is one that bares further investigation.

If employees are not allowed to make key decisions, how can senior managers or owners expect to groom their future leaders?  Think about all of the companies (or departments) where you've worked.  If the best ones were those that provided an empowered work environment, maybe it's time to examine yours and change it.  Talented individuals will not stay long with organizations that do not take advantage of that talent, nor ones that offer no future growth.

Where does your organization fall?