Bypassing traditional hierarchy, the Dutch police force is making strides in adopting a more autonomous and flexible working model. The radical shift, inspired by Buurtzorg’s nurse-led model, seeks to empower teams and individuals, allowing them to make decisions without the need for managerial approval. This new approach, dubbed ‘Team Blue’, has been piloted in two districts and is already showing promising results.
The change is not without challenges, though. The police force has had to grapple with shifting mindsets and overcoming resistance to change. Yet, the benefits are clear: increased flexibility, faster decision-making, and improved job satisfaction among officers.
To support this transformation, the Dutch police have introduced ‘coaches’ to replace traditional managers. These coaches, unlike their predecessors, do not have decision-making powers. Instead, they offer guidance and support, helping teams navigate their newfound autonomy.
The Dutch police’s journey to a more autonomous working model is ongoing. However, the initial results are promising, indicating a potential paradigm shift in how public organisations can operate. This move towards a less hierarchical and more autonomous structure could have far-reaching implications for other public and private organisations worldwide.
Go to source article: https://www.corporate-rebels.com/blog/bypassing-traditional-hierarchy-police