Ready to Step Up? How to Influence Leadership to Receive Greater Autonomy in Your Role

If you’ve read this edition on Team Autonomy and are eager to gain more autonomy in your role, you can influence your leader to grant you that independence. Here are specific steps you can take to start the process from your current position:

Align on the Difference Between Autonomy and Freedom

Before you approach your manager, it’s important to understand the difference between autonomy and freedom. Autonomy means making decisions within a structured framework, while freedom can imply a lack of boundaries, which might lead to chaos. When you’re advocating for more autonomy, be clear that you’re asking for the space to operate within well-defined parameters, not for an unstructured work environment.

Proactive Steps You Can Take:

1. Express Your Readiness for More Responsibility

• Let your manager know that you feel prepared to take on more independence and responsibility. Be specific about the areas where you believe you’re ready to operate more autonomously. When you approach your manager, be prepared to share your thoughts and provide examples of your past performance that demonstrate why you’re equipped to handle greater responsibility. This proactive approach builds trust and can help you gain the independence you’re seeking.

• Within those areas of readiness, there will be decisions you’re comfortable making on your own and others where you might prefer to bounce ideas or decisions off your manager first. Be clear about what those are. This clarity will help you and your manager align on the parameters needed to ensure your success.

2. Initiate Open Conversations About Outcomes and Expectations

If you’re unsure about outcomes or expectations, don’t wait for leadership to address it. Take the initiative to start a conversation with your manager to clarify what success looks like for you and for them. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the outcomes you’re expected to achieve and the boundaries within which you’ll be operating. Having this clarity is crucial for working autonomously and effectively.

3. Recommend Regular Check-ins

Especially when you’re first gaining more independence in your role, suggest regular check-ins with your manager. These brief chats can help ensure you’re on the right track, provide an opportunity to address any challenges, and offer reassurance to your manager that everything is progressing smoothly.

4. Help Your Manager See the Value of Transparency and Open Communication

Work with your manager to foster an environment where sharing both successes and setbacks is the norm. When a decision you made autonomously doesn’t go as planned, be open about what happened, what you learned, and how you plan to move forward. This demonstrates that you’re committed to learning and growing through your increased responsibility, and it reinforces the importance of transparency in building trust and effective autonomy.

Final Thoughts

Gaining more autonomy in your role isn’t just about waiting for leadership to offer it—it’s something you can actively influence. By understanding the nuances of autonomy and accountability and taking proactive steps to support these structures, you can demonstrate your readiness for greater independence.

Your efforts not only help you grow in your role but also position you as a proactive and valuable contributor. By taking the initiative, you’ll gain the independence you’re seeking while ensuring that you remain aligned with your manager’s expectations.

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