Completed Staff Work: The Secret Management Technique to Empower Your Team

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.