I've only seen it work when there's a combination of competence and ownership. i.e. someone from above can't just say 'this is yours, figure it out', the other

I've only seen it work when there's a combination of competence and ownership. i.e. someone from above can't just say 'this is yours, figure it out', the other party has to be able to do it and accept the ownership of it. Even when they can and do, there will inevitably be things they get wrong and/or miss but when those are pointed out they, assuming they've accepted ownership, will understand without being asked that it is for them to correct. If you try do it before someone is able or willing, it can turn into a train wreck. Also, I've found it much harder to do in larger organizations for a variety of reasons.