When a manager assigns a task and never follows up, employees perceive it as unimportant. Consistent inspection—whether through formal reviews or informal check-ins—communicates that the work is a priority, which keeps the team honest and motivated.
When leaders ask for input but have already decided on the outcome, it creates a 'charade' of empowerment. This practice is incredibly demotivating for team members who believe they have genuine autonomy, only to find out their work was irrelevant.
'Commander's Intent' describes an employee's ability to grasp a leader's high-level goal and execute creatively, often exceeding expectations. This framework helps leaders identify who can handle autonomy versus those who require step-by-step direction, enabling better task alignment.