The power behind completed staff work helps address the greatest challenge in the business world today which is not being able to get everything done with the time and resources available.
Part of the problem is not knowing what to say ‘NO’ to.
Years ago I learned about a principle Henry Kissinger instilled in those who worked with him called “completed staff work” that helped address this problem.
The concept is about developing effectiveness in yourself and others and getting it right every time.
Completed staff work requires people to give you their best thinking, their best recommendations and ultimately their best work.
When a staff member came to Kissinger with a recommendation from a delegated task, before even reading it, Kissinger asked: “Is this the very best recommendation you could come up with?”
More times then not, the staff member would answer something like, “No, I can strengthen this recommendation with additional research and detail.”
Each time they come back with an improved recommendation, Kissinger would keep challenging them “Is this your very best? Is there room for improvement?”
When I implemented this in my car dealership, I asked 5 times before getting the final version and finally reading it.
The idea of this is to empower your staff to reach their highest potential and make better contributions.
Unfortunately, many small BIZ owners have not learned to trust the principles of delegation and empowerment. They continue to do it all themselves until ultimately, they burn out.
Five elements of effective delegation and employee empowerment for greater effectiveness:
- Know What You Want and Clearly State it. Establish clear desired end results. Help employees to understand that they will be expected to give their best thinking in solving problems, making decisions and formulating recommendations.
- Ask Questions. As the manager or co-worker ask “What is your recommendation? How would you solve this or how would you implement this policy?’ Get in the habit of soliciting ideas and buy-in for those around you.
- Clarify Assumptions. Different assumptions have sunk more than a few good ideas before they even had a chance. Before walking away, always ask for clarification of what the other party heard vs what you said.
- Give People the Tools They Need. Provide the necessary resources, time and access to information. Make yourself accessible for providing info and feedback.
- Provide an Environment for Success. Give people the time to present their recommendations and time for you to ask clarifying questions.
The principle behind completed staff work is simply a means to teach people to do their own thinking and to think accurately.
When done correctly completed staff work has the benefit of saving everyone’s time and produces better results – a true 80/20 win-win for all stakeholders.
[Source: Stephen Covey]