How to build an efficient team: give employees space for their own initiative

Many managers mistakenly believe the best way for employees to reach their full potential and work efficiency is via micro-management and complete control of their activities. This, however, fails to take into account the specifics of individual employees and their motivation to work "on their own", which is why such an approach does not work. The key to improved efficiency of work is not more detailed rules and instructions but, on the contrary, more empowered regular employees.

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More power as a path towards improved employee satisfaction

According to McKinsey & Company, greater empowering of employees is a way to ensure the employees in question will then be able proactively to solve their needs and requirements without being limited by what their manager dictates. We all view situations to some extent subjectively; therefore, managers give team members instructions based on how they themselves see a given situation, leaving no scope for employees to solve it using tools they are familiar with and which correspond to their approach and personality. By having more power, employees can decide for themselves about these things and thus find ideal solutions that best suit them.

Room for one's own initiative means more flexibility

There is an old saying that if you catch a fish for one person, you feed them for one day, but if you teach them how to fish for themselves, you feed them for life. Managers who try to micro-manage employees will have continually to set up new rules and procedures for individual cases that employees encounter. It is much more effective and logical to establish a general set of rules and teach regular employees to work within this system so they can draw on it in specific situations regarding what to do and what they should achieve based on the expectations and priorities of the company.

Trust and personal accountability

The above-mentioned concept of course requires a certain trust from management towards employees. A transfer of power means some responsibility is taken away from managers and given to individual employees. Not everyone seeks more power, and it is always necessary to consult the parameters of empowerment with individual employees, ensuring they understand what it means for them and are willing to accept more accountability for both their deeds and potential mistakes.

 

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Article source McKinsey & Company - global management consulting firm
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