where boundaries dissolve

#32 Unleash the Power Within: Build a Culture of Ownership, Empowerment, and Continuous Improvement –with Doug, Member of Founding Executive Leadership Team Of Morning Star, A Self-Organized Company

Episode Summary

What if there were no job titles, no bosses, and no hierarchy? Is that your dream or nightmare? Doug's opinion is clear: “A hierarchy is a perfect storm for zero accountability. When something goes wrong, those at the top point downward, and those at the bottom point upward." Doug was part of the founding executive leadership team of Morning Star, the biggest tomato producer and a prime example of a self-organizing business without any hierarchies, bosses, or job titles. Morning Star is organized around a set of guiding principles, including personal responsibility, accountability, and continuous improvement. At Morning Star, employees are considered "colleagues" and have the power to make decisions and take actions that are aligned with the company's mission and values. Many leaders are desperate to learn how to empower people to take ownership, embrace learning and learn to be more adaptable. So if you want high energy on teams, hire people with a growth mindset, trusting relationships, and highly collaborative teams, as well as learn how to overcome the obstacles that arise when you give people ownership and accountability, this is for you. Learn about how Morning Star embraced self-organization and Doug's involvement in this visionary and forward thinking movement.

Episode Notes

Here are my take aways: 

  1. Ownership & Accountability: It goes beyond mere participation; it involves a deep sense of commitment and dedication. Accountability is built on clear commitments and the fulfillment of those commitments. Organizations should foster a culture of commitment making and keeping, where individuals are held accountable for their promises. The focus should be on learning from missed commitments and improving future outcomes rather than placing blame or punishment.
  2. Empowerment: Traditional notions of empowerment can be disempowering as they imply that power is granted by someone else. True empowerment comes from within and should be cultivated through a self-management mindset. Leaders should empower their team members by providing them with the power to learn, acquire resources, build relationships, and collaborate effectively.
  3. Continuous improvement is at the heart of self-management and organizational success.
  4. Talent with Self-Management skill set: When hiring, look for individuals who demonstrate a self-management mindset and a willingness to take ownership. Assess candidates' self-awareness, collaboration skills, and ability to work autonomously. Seek individuals who are adaptable, embrace change, and are motivated by personal growth and the success of the organization.
  5. Decision Making: Distribute decision-making authority to individuals closest to the action. And foster a culture where decisions are made based on expertise and input from those affected by the decision. Embrace decision rights and empower individuals to make decisions within their areas of responsibility.

Connect with us:

 Doug on Linkedin 

Me, Helena, on Linkedin or Instagram, or visit my website for more inspiring change stories

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Helena