When I worked at GE, the buzzword of the day – other than process improvement which was big at that time – was a concept called completed staff work. The concept was developed in the military during WWII. Completed staff work is the study of a problem and provision of a solution by a staff person in such form that all that remains to be done by the boss is to give approval or disapproval of the completed staff action. In other words, take the initiative to think the problem all the way through, including anticipating any questions your boss might ask, and get it right – and completed – the first time.
Here is a great story that illustrates this principle:
A certain farmer had become old and ready to pass his farm down to one of his two sons. When he brought his sons together to speak about it, he told them: The farm will go to the younger son. The older son was furious! “What are you talking about?!” he fumed.
The father sat patiently, thinking. “Okay,” the father said, “I need you to do something for me. We need more stock. Will you go to Cibi’s farm and see if he has any cows for sale?” The older son shortly returned and reported, “Father, Cibi has 6 cows for sale.” The father graciously thanked the older son for his work.
He then turned to the younger son and said, “I need you to do something for me. We need more stock. Will you go to Cibi’s farm and see if he has any cows for sale?” The younger son did as he was asked. A short while later, he returned and reported, “Father, Cibi has 6 cows for sale. Each cow will cost 2,000 rupees. If we are thinking about buying more than 6 cows, Cibi said he would be willing to reduce the price 100 rupees. Cibi also said they are getting special jersey cows next week if we aren’t in a hurry, it may be good to wait. However, if we need the cows urgently, Cibi said he could deliver the cows tomorrow.”
The father graciously thanked the younger son for his work. He then turned to the older son and said, “That’s why your younger brother is getting the farm.”
“Initiative is doing the right thing without being told.” – Victor Hugo
“People and organizations don’t grow much without delegation and completed staff work because they are confined to the capacities of the boss and reflect both personal strengths and weaknesses.” – Stephen Covey
#ForumSensei