What decisions can they make on their own?
"Control leads to compliance; autonomy leads to engagement." Daniel H. Pink
We make decisions every day, all day, and while these decisions have consequences, most are small. When we were young, especially in our teens, we yearned for authority and autonomy. We have authority as adults save for laws and what rules we comply with at work. What authority do your people have?
In the Army, soldiers and their youngest leaders possess authority to act - according to the laws of the Geneva Convention in war, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Soldiers carry out orders under the intent of their leaders. Most have autonomy to act - to make decisions with strategic impact. It is a remarkable level of trust and authority unmatched by most militaries and, indeed most businesses. In fairness, the time, training, and effort building trust between soldiers and their leaders is long and intense - nearly impossible to replicate in a private business. It's worth a try though.
What decisions can your people make? A great example is typically found with salespeople. What authority do they have to discount your products? What decisions are they empowered to make to seal the deal in a sale? Good leaders will arm their people with some left and right limits allowing them to operate with autonomy under their intent. They could even give them a budget guided by intent empowering them to spend within its limits.
Risk is always the central guiding factor for the decision to give a person authority to decide. Is the person new to the team? Are they trained? Have they proven themselves as trustworthy? These questions and more can and should be asked.
The less decision making authority your people have, the busier you will be approving what they need to do. This is no way to lead. You have better things to do than to approve a $50 discount to secure a sale.
Get to know your people. Onboard them as full teammates, who live and espouse your vision, values, and culture. Form and foster trust every day with them. Love them. Then let them decide on their own.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell