When was the last time someone sat next to you as you wrote? I doubt it has been since kindergarten. But what if it did occur right now? Would you find the experience enjoyable?

So, when the co-founders of Nike, Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, desired a logo, they didn't demand that Carolyn Davidson create it for them. Instead, they gave her the creative brief and the authority to do it on her own. And thus is how the enchanted "swoosh" logo was created.

We collaborate with knowledge workers more frequently these days, many of whom are undoubtedly more skilled than we are. Giving people the flexibility to work within established goals and guiding principles is therefore preferable. Naturally, there will be occasions when individuals let us down with subpar or even incorrect outcomes. What therefore ought to we do?

Source: nss magazine

We must act differently if we want to get results that are typical, good, or outstanding. Average individuals succeed on their own; decent people educate others; exceptional people empower others. Thus, we should strive to better brief and support others by giving them the purpose, tools, and independence to succeed in what they do.

Lack of accountability or abandonment are not characteristics of autonomy. Whatever assistance we want, it remains our obligation. If the outcomes are positive, we ought to discuss and applaud one another's progress. If they're awful, we should own up to it and figure out what we can do differently the next time.

In conclusion, rather than merely getting things done for ourselves, we should help individuals succeed.

Practices

Here are some ways to make sure everyone on a team has enough autonomy:

  • Goals and objectives should be made clear so that everyone on the team knows what they are working toward. This will help them make decisions and act in ways that are in line with the team's overall vision.
  • Align on way of work. Putting in place clear rules and procedures that everyone on the team can understand and follow. When everyone agrees on how things should be done, trust and independence grow because team members know what is expected of them and can work on their own to reach their goals.
  • Give team members the tools they need to do their work. This could be done with the help of tools, technology, and other team members.
  • Encourage collaboration. It's important for team members to have their own space, but it's also important for them to work together and share ideas. Encourage people on the team to work together, share information and ideas, and help each other out when they need to.
  • Give comments and help. Give team members regular updates on their progress and help them out when they need it. This will keep them on track and let them make changes as needed.
  • Recognize and celebrate the successes of the people on your team. This will help build morale and motivation, and it will encourage people to keep being independent and coming up with new ideas.

Examples

  • Netflix's success stems from its content providers' creative freedom. The organization lets people make their own decisions while providing clear rules, goals, and values.

Netflix creators may pitch and develop their ideas without much oversight. Employees are trusted to create engaging material. This strategy has produced award-winning series like Stranger Things, The Crown, and Narcos, which are popular worldwide.

Netflix's autonomy extends beyond content creation. The organization values independence and lets people make their own decisions. This has made the workplace a place where people work together and feel respected, which boosts corporate performance.

Source: Netflix
  • Atlassian, an Australian software company, is known for its employee independence. The organization believes independence boosts creativity and productivity. Atlassian's flat organizational structure lets employees speak directly to corporate leaders.

"20% time" enables Atlassian staff work on their own projects one day a week. This approach has spurred several company-beneficial developments. Atlassian encourages workers to take charge and make decisions.

Atlassian has expanded successfully due of its independence. The firm has been one of Australia's greatest places to work since 2002, and its income has increased every two years.

Nguồn: The Muse
Source: Brands Vietnam