Doers vs. Thinkers
Organizations need both doers and thinkers. Yes, every person on our team should be empowered to ‘think.’
If you want only doers, you are missing out on a valuable resource, the collective brainpower of a team.
So
Encourage thinking based on a clear mission.
Let go of decisions you don’t need to make, letting others create solutions.
It might take a little longer to accomplish things; however, you create a culture that empowers the employee and raises leaders for the future.
But what happens if they only want to ‘think’ and not ‘do?’
Lead by example and demonstrate you also step into both roles.
Hold them accountable for the tasks assigned to them
Always be willing to explain the ‘why’ behind the assigned tasks.
Frederick W. Taylor said that to mass-produce efficiently, an operation needs some people (the few) who think and others (the many) who do.
But Horst Schulze made this statement to everyone on his team, no matter their position: "You are empowered here. I want you to say what is wrong so we can improve. What can we do better in this hotel? Talk to us about these things." In other words, Mr. Schulze wanted everyone to think.
I am with Mr. Schulze; yes, everyone on our team should be expected to complete the tasks that the company needs from their position, but just as important is for every employee to be a thinker, people who are using their minds to do their job and make the organization better.
