$50 to Fix It™: A Simple Leadership Policy That Sparks Ownership
What if a single policy could eliminate bottlenecks, build trust, and empower your team to solve problems without waiting?
At Text In Church, we’ve seen that leadership isn’t about making every decision, it’s about creating an environment where people feel equipped and trusted to take action. That’s why we implemented the $50 to Fix It™ policy.
What Is the $50 to Fix It™ Policy?
It’s simple:
- Every team member can spend up to $50 to fix a problem, no approval needed.
- Leaders can spend up to $500. Senior leaders up to $5,000.
- The only requirement: take action, then share what you did and why.
This isn’t about reckless spending. It’s about removing friction so your team can solve problems the moment they see them.
Why This Works
Small problems have a way of piling up. The markers are always missing. The workflow tool is clunky. The process is outdated. Everyone notices, but no one moves.
Why? Because we’ve accidentally trained our teams to wait for permission instead of take initiative.
The $50 to Fix It™ policy flips that script. It tells our team: We trust your judgment. Go for it.
Real-World Example: Action Without Approval
Not long ago, someone on our team discovered an AI tool that could streamline their workflow. They didn’t ask for permission, they bought it, tested it, and then shared it with the team.
That one $50 decision improved efficiency for everyone.
That’s ownership in action. And that’s exactly why this policy exists.
How to Implement This in Your Organization
Want to create momentum and reduce unnecessary delays? Here’s how to try this in your world:
1. Set Clear Limits
Pick an amount that fits your team and budget. Enough to matter, but not enough to break things.
2. Clarify the Intent
This isn’t free-for-all spending. It’s thoughtful action for minor problems that create real friction.
3. Require Debriefs, Not Approvals
Ask team members to share what they fixed and why. That transparency keeps everyone aligned, and spreads the benefit across the team.
And here’s the truth: most people won’t abuse it. In fact, they’ll feel more valued and trusted, and that fuels better decisions over time.
The Bigger Picture: It’s Not About the Money
“Don’t tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with their results.”, General George S. Patton
Empowering people to make small decisions is how you prepare them for bigger ones.
This policy isn’t just about office supplies or software tools. It’s about building a culture of ownership, where people don’t just wait to be told what to do… they lead with initiative, clarity, and care.
Final Thought: What Can You Let Go Of Today?
The next leadership breakthrough you’re looking for might not come from a big strategy meeting. It might come from a single moment of trust.
What’s one small decision you could empower your team to own, today?
Drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear how you’re building trust in your culture.
Next Step: Download the 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan
If you’re ready to lead with more clarity, momentum, and trust, I’d love to share a free resource with you.
→ Download the 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan
This practical guide walks you through four daily habits and one powerful meeting rhythm that will help you:
- Build a culture of ownership
- Strengthen your leadership consistency
- Stay aligned on what matters most
It takes less than 30 minutes a day to implement, and it might just change how you lead.
Let’s build better systems. Let’s build better leaders.
How the $50 to Fix It Policy Is Helping My Team Lead with Initiative
In this short video, I explain how the $50 to Fix It™ policy empowers our team to act quickly, solve problems, and build a culture of ownership, without waiting for permission.
▶ Watch: The $50 to Fix It™ Leadership Principle
You’ll see why this simple framework creates momentum, eliminates bottlenecks, and helps develop leaders by giving them the space to take initiative.
If you’ve ever felt stuck because your team hesitates over small decisions, this is a practical reminder that trust fuels action, and action builds growth.
About Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.
He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.
👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.
