Traditional management is gradually giving way to more flexible and participatory approaches. Among them, accountability and autonomy have particularly developed. But how can we encourage initiative while maintaining necessary control?
Encourage initiative
Empowerment starts with trust. To enable each employee to take initiatives, it is necessary to first offer them a clear framework while allowing them the freedom to propose and act. Several techniques allow you to cultivate this state of mind:
- Set clear and achievable objectives as well as recognize and promote initiatives as we saw above.
- Provide room for error: Fear of failure can inhibit top talent. Managers must create an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Above all, this reinforces boldness and innovation.
- Set up spaces for exchange: Brainstorming sessions or participatory meetings encourage the expression of new ideas. By involving teams in problem solving, managers stimulate their creativity and their sense of belonging.
Delegate methodically…. without losing control
Autonomy does not mean abandoning teams to their fate, but rather allowing them to organize themselves while remaining guided by a common vision. Managers must find mechanisms to support this autonomy without giving in to micro-management:
- Adopt management by objectives: Rather than dictating the stages of a project, setting clear and measurable objectives allows employees to choose for themselves the best way to achieve their results. This model offers operational freedom while guaranteeing strategic coherence.
- Establish regular checkpoints: Weekly or monthly check-ins make it possible to monitor the progress of projects without encroaching on the freedom of employees. These moments also promote constructive dialogue and early identification of obstacles.
- Train for autonomy: Not all employees naturally have the ability or confidence to work independently. Managers must therefore support this development through specific training, mentoring or practical exercises.
- Adapt your level of involvement: Each individual is different. Some experienced employees can manage projects with minimal supervision, while others, less experienced, require more monitoring. Management adjustment is necessary to avoid losing control while providing a framework conducive to autonomy.
The benefits of increased accountability Promoting autonomy and taking initiative has significant benefits, both for employees and for the company. For the teams, this strengthens their commitment, their professional satisfaction and their feeling of contribution. Managers can focus more on strategic tasks rather than careful day-to-day control.
In a world where talents seek human and modern management, accountability and autonomy are no longer simple tools: they have become imperatives for attracting, retaining and developing the best profiles. By adopting them methodically, companies ensure they combine collective performance and individual development.
