Collaborative Leadership
By Dr. Jack Best
“Just tell them what to do,” said my school superintendent when I had accepted the position as his high school principal in 1977. But his advice was far removed from the dissertation I had completed in 1972: “The relationship between morale and one’s participation in making decisions that affect his work.” The study proved that one’s morale and satisfaction with his job or profession was positively related to his participation in decisions that affected his work. Those who were involved as much as they desired has the highest job satisfaction. Those who wanted more involvement weren’t so satisfied.
47 years later, the findings still apply. Good and effective leaders want to involve their employees. Employee morale improves and their production increases because they feel better about their work.
Forbes published an article in April 2018 about how to involve employees in decision-making. Mike Kappel wrote that involving staff in decision-making can make one’s business stronger. It shows that their input is respected, their opinions have value and their commitment to the organization’s mission can be trusted.
Participative decision making also increases support for the decisions that are made. New ideas and fresh perspectives need to be encouraged and cultivated.
Suggestion boxes still work, if management takes the time to follow up with the suggestor and compensate them appropriately.
Leadership teams can meet with management regularly and share ideas both ways. Who gets credit for or takes responsibility for the decision’s outcome will depend on the decision-making style. At times, the group will make the decision. At other times, the leader (CEO, Superintendent, boss) will decide based on the ideas from the team. And when time is short or expedience is required, the leader acts autocratically based on the solutions obtained through discussions with group members. But regardless of style, collaborative practices are not only respectful, they are the best route to creating organizations or communities that thrive.
Dr. Jack Best founded Best Times Financial Planning in 1982. Today he helps others transition into the second half of life making a difference in the people and causes that are important to them. Jack is a long-time member of the Penfield Rotary Club and Past Director of Rotary International.