Foundation
Ask for the employee’s proposed approach
Whenan employee asks how to proceed
If the decision is safely within their role, ask what approach they recommend and why. Hear it before offering yours; support a workable choice or explain the real constraint.
Start tiny
Ask, “What approach do you suggest?”
SafetyGive direct instruction when safety or an urgent incident requires it.
Evidence grade AMeta-analysis, evidence-based guideline, or repeated findings
Slemp et al. (2018), Leader autonomy support in the workplace: A meta-analytic review, Motivation and Emotion 42, 706–724. Read the source ↗ Supports taking employee perspectives and giving meaningful input; mostly cross-sectional evidence, not proof of this cue or a performance guarantee.
Foundation: The load-bearing practices you return to. Build the base and keep it in play.
