Many years ago, while supervising a team of professionals, I decided to shift their responsibilities around on a regular basis in order to give the team greater depth and provide each member exposure to skills outside of their normal responsibilities.
Initially, of course, they went ape.
Although I underestimated the extent to which they'd resist leaving their comfort zones, the process was a stunning success in one aspect:
They eventually emerged with greater respect for the work of their co-workers.
Prior to the job switching, there was a tendency to think, "I'm the only person who does serious work around here. My co-workers just cruise through the day."
After playing musical chairs for a while, however, each one confessed to a failure to appreciate the challenges faced by their co-workers. Not one expressed interest in a long stay in the other positions.
After a while, I stopped the job rotation scheme. It had served its purpose and each team member had a fair acquaintance with the demands of the other areas.
And a side benefit was that I never again heard grumbling about the "easy ride" of the co-workers.
This is interesting and true. Why not commit to a constant rotation? Do you think it would create consistant mediocrity among workers?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThere is that danger. The other concern was that the employees liked their specialized jobs and the overall performance was better when they were permitted to specialize. Occasional rotation, however, can be a great way to get them to look beyond their own narrow areas.