01
Authority
Decisions move closer to the knowledge.
The people who see the problems, opportunities and consequences in everyday work also need to be able to contribute to the solution.
Principle 2 of 5
Ownership where the work happens
Keep responsibility, understanding and the ability to act as close as possible to the everyday work.
Why this principle matters
Ownership emerges when people can influence what they are responsible for.
Many organizations want people to take greater responsibility, yet organize the work in ways that place decisions, information and room to act too far from everyday practice. Responsibility then becomes something that is demanded, rather than something people are able to take.
Ownership where the work happens means that people and teams need to understand the purpose, see their contribution and have reasonable opportunities to influence how the work is carried out. Taking responsibility can then become part of everyday work.
What it looks like in everyday work
Teams have the authority to resolve matters close to their purpose.
In practice, the principle means that leaders and managers establish clear boundaries, while people close to the work have room to use their knowledge. This makes the organization faster, better at learning and more accountable.
02
Trust
People can act within clear boundaries.
Clear boundaries make it easier to take responsibility. When the purpose, limits and expectations are understood, more people can act independently.
03
Learning
Improvement happens in everyday work.
When teams own issues close to the work, they can test, adjust and learn continuously instead of waiting for major initiatives.
Connection to Verksamhetsskap
Ownership requires both direction and the right conditions.
In Verksamhetsskap, responsibility is connected to people’s actual conditions for success. A team can take greater ownership when it understands its purpose, engages in dialogue about what is required and can influence its situation.
Agerus therefore works to make visible where ownership needs to be strengthened: in the clarity of the purpose, in how the team works together or in the concrete conditions needed to succeed.
Related principle
Performance requires authority
The next principle explores why people need room to act in order to perform sustainably.
Go to principle 3Related product
Pulse Survey
The Pulse Survey can track whether prioritized issues are moving forward and whether teams have the conditions they need to take responsibility in everyday work.
Explore the Pulse Survey