BUS603: Managing People

First, let's consider and define each type of work activity.

"Managed" work involves tasks that are coordinated using guidance, supervision, and direction in order to achieve specific outcomes. When someone works to coordinate every part of every task, we colloquially call that behavior "micro-managing". "Enabled" associates have the ability to direct themselves while working within boundaries (guidance), and they have access to the materials and resources (information, people, technologies, etc). They are required to problem-solve as they see fit. Lastly, "empowered" individuals direct themselves within organizational limits, have access to materials and resources, and also have the authority to represent their team or organization and make decisions about work on behalf using their best judgment, based on the former elements.

Most important here is the idea that these concepts are nested (see Figure 1). Because each level builds on the one before it, one cannot have the full benefit of "empowered" associates without also having clear guidance and direction ("managed"), and transparency of information and resources ("enabled"). What changes from level to level is the amount of managed or enabled activity that comes before it.

Figure 1

Let's dive more deeply into the nature of those activities and discuss the roles leaders should play in each.