Madam CEO Jab on Processes and Authority
Samchi Group Founder and Group Managing Director Dr Esther Muchemi has taken a moment to enlighten us more about processes and authority. She notes:
“In many instances, and I think in all cases, authority is a factor of delegation.
Even the most powerful person in the land acts because the citizens have delegated their authority to him/her so to speak.
Abuse of the same may make them call back their authority; talk of the power of the ballot!
This also applies in institutions and in business.
Now, I would like to introduce ourselves to a new discussion about this matter:-
For authority to be given and received, there must be parameters that clearly define the do’s and the don’ts.
These do’s and don’ts give confidence to the delegating authority that things will be okay as long as they are done within those parameters.
Anything outside that can only be activated by going back to the delagating authority to allow such action to happen.
In politics, we call it; referendum, public participation, amendment of laws etc.
In business, it can be a verbal conversation, written etc. Bottom line, a reference must be made to the ” boss” on matters outside the parameters already put in place.
Unfortunately, especially in SMEs, these parameters are either not well defined or not well understood.
However, more often than not, people for one reason or the other, choose to ignore them and do their own things.
Again, yes again, this may go unnoticed until things go wrong.
At that point, you will have to explain why you acted out of the guidance given.
This is never easy for both parties, because the damage is already done, and then what?
I wish people could just have the discipline to follow laid down processes and procedures, written or otherwise.
It helps management and helps others too, including third parties.
And so today, I woke up with this-:
Authority only covers you when used inside the parameters given.
Outside that, you are exposed and you might have to carry your own cross so to speak.
And honestly, if you have to, it’s you to blame.
Well, I am also aware it is not easy to remedy some situations.
For example, if you didn’t do a background check before accepting to deliver goods using a stolen cheque, how do you compensate the company for a loss of say 1M when your salary for example, is 50k?
Honestly, let’s adjust our mindset to following the processes that governs the use of delegated authority.
It’s good for all, I say.
“Twende Kazi!”Madam CEO.
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