MACRO Leadership - Assign with Intention to Unlock Strategic Momentum
🎙️EPISODE 4
MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 4: Assign
In this episode of the Engaged By Design podcast, Michael and Vernon explore the second step in the MACRO Leadership model: Assign. Even the best match can struggle if the assignment isn’t clear. Learn how clarity, structure, and purpose in your assignments can unlock momentum and prevent project drift.
We share cautionary tales from Boeing and Google, introduce the PPP model (Problem, Path, Payoff), and explain how AMP (Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose) and the 5 Elements of a Strong Assignment work together to help teams thrive.
Plus, we offer tools and templates you can start using right away to assign with clarity, not control.
KEY TOPICS
Theme: Clear delegation and assignment design
MACRO Leadership Step A: Assign
Featured Models: PPP, AMP, 5 Elements
Real-World Examples: Boeing 737 MAX, Google’s no-manager experiment, Pixar Braintrust
Mentioned Book: Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What project are you assigning this week?
2. How could you apply the PPP brief?
3. How can you “AMP up” your assignment?
4. Have you defined the five elements for clarity?
đź”— AFFILIATE LINKS
Books referenced in this episode
- MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP
The technology we used
- Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
- Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb
