The Future of Work: Autonomy, Flexibility, and Co-Responsibility

Management & LeadershipDiversity & InclusionAll employees≈ 20 min

Key skill: Situational management & delegation

Summary

Meet the expectations of autonomy and flexibility from Gen Y and Gen Z without giving up on results: grant more freedom in decisions, mobility and hours, while keeping trust, structure and follow-through.

Target audience

Anyone looking to promote a model of collaboration that inspires boldness, agility and accountability

Learning objectives

Develop your team members' decision-making autonomy.
Introduce participative management to encourage initiative and accountability.
Promote continuous training to meet the expectations of younger generations.
Encourage organisational flexibility and mental agility to attract and retain talent.

Module outline

StorytellingA typical day at a futuristic company, showing the balance between technology and autonomy
ArticlesSituational leadership (Hersey & Blanchard) · Why trust matters for autonomy · The Zappos example: autonomy for call centre staff
Expert videoWhat Gen Y and Gen Z expect in terms of autonomy and flexibility, and how to meet those expectations
AnchoringA quiz and True/False questions to dig deeper into the topic and anchor what you've learned
Memo cardA downloadable coaching memo card: the key points from the expert video
CommitmentConcrete examples to help you define your own commitment
BonusA selection of videos to go further (TED, YouTube)

Models & methods

Three forms of decision-making (authoritative, consensual, advice-seeking) according to Frédéric Laloux; a progressive delegation plan.

Research-based

Frédéric Laloux, “Reinventing Organizations”; Bake, head of AES (40,000 employees, energy sector); average retention: 3 years (Gen Y), 2 years (Gen Z).