CHICAGO — O&P employers should include more members of their staff in regular decision-making processes and encourage them to feel a sense of ownership in the company, according to a speaker here.
At the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium, Joyce Perrone, a consultant with Promise Consulting and director of business development and information technology services at De La Torre P&O, said employers should also avoid “buy-in” at all costs at the same time.
“Buy-in is the notion that it is perfectly okay for a few to make the decisions and then to impose them on all the others and still expect that they will be will and able to implement them perfectly, as if they had made the decisions themselves,” Perrone said. “On the other hand, ownership is when you own or share the ownership of an idea, a decision, an action plan, a choice. It means that you have participated in its development, that it is your choice, freely made.”
According to Perrone, when employees are left out of the decision-making process, they develop a sense that their ideas and plans are unworthy of consideration, they are being ignored or imposed upon and they are generally unappreciated.
Although employees may eventually adopt a new idea or plan if they have no other choice, managers should not mistake this a victory or proof that staff members have been convinced.
“Your implementation will inevitably be a pale imitation of what it could have been had you been an owner instead of a ‘buyer-in’ and be truly convinced,” Perrone said. “You have to listen to people and implement some of their ideas, so they know they are valued. Nine times out of 10 your people have amazing ideas.” – by Jason Laday
Reference:
Perrone J. Skills to develop that will inspire staff to take ownership. Presented at: American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium; March 1-4, 2017; Chicago.
Disclosure: Perrone reports she is a consultant with Promise Consulting and director of business development and information technology services at De La Torre P&O.
