Distributed authority is a key principle of progressive organisations, breaking down traditional hierarchical structures and fostering greater engagement and productivity among employees. At its core, it’s about relinquishing control and trusting employees to make decisions. This approach is underpinned by three key elements: clarity, discipline, and trust.
Clarity requires a clear understanding of the purpose, principles, and priorities of the organisation. It is not about detailed plans or micromanagement, but about creating a clear direction and allowing employees to navigate towards it.
Discipline, on the other hand, is about maintaining consistency and accountability. It’s about creating a culture where people take responsibility for their actions and decisions, and where there is a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.
Trust is the final element, and perhaps the most critical. It is about believing in the ability and judgement of people and creating a culture of mutual respect and trust. It’s about letting go of control and allowing people to make their own decisions.
In a nutshell, distributed authority is an empowering approach that can lead to greater engagement, productivity, and innovation. It’s a challenging shift, but one that can yield significant benefits for progressive organisations.
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