July 2016 Summaries

Completed Staff Work is a management concept that involves presenting a plan to a decision-maker and receiving a thumbs-up approval without further questions or concerns. It's about providing a well-thought-out recommendation that can be staked on one's professional reputation. This approach flattens hierarchy, empowers teams with local autonomy, and encourages collaboration between team members and managers. Completed Staff Work is not just about presenting a plan, but also about doing the work in a way that has been thought about deeply enough that stakeholders should be able to accept it as a good decision. It's an iterative process that involves talking with decision-makers as you're putting together your plan and asking for their help when needed. The goal is to get people to the point where they can make decisions independently, without needing constant approval from someone else. By adopting Completed Staff Work, teams can develop a habit of solving problems in a more organizationally aware way, leading to better results and a flatter hierarchy.

Completed Staff Work is a management concept that emphasizes autonomy and thorough problem-solving, requiring team members to present fully developed recommendations for decision-making rather than seeking approval through incomplete proposals. Illustrated through a personal example involving office relocation, the author highlights how incomplete staff work often leads to a tedious back-and-forth due to unanswered questions and lack of comprehensive planning. By adopting Completed Staff Work, team members are encouraged to consider the broader organizational impact, gather necessary details, and provide well-rounded solutions that decision-makers can approve with minimal queries, thus flattening hierarchical structures and empowering local decision-making. The concept, which originated in the U.S. Army, promotes a shift from merely following orders to proactively suggesting and implementing changes, fostering leadership and strategic thinking among team members. This approach not only streamlines decision-making but also aids in personal and professional growth by encouraging individuals to own their solutions and extend their capabilities beyond traditional roles.