Time and time again, I have worked with leaders and managers to help them to delegate more effectively, and even more than that, to delegate MORE!
Yet, even the most skilled managers may tend to delegate less rather than more. Whether it is because they fear loss of control or quality, don’t have the time to delegate, or some other reason, I believe great opportunity is lost through a failure or an willingness to delegate.
Delegation makes an organization stronger.
There are so many benefits to delegating —
- it enables people to learn new tasks
- it builds confidence
- it spreads work
- it multiplies impact
My challenge to each of you is, regardless of how much you currently delegate, delegate more!
Here are some hints on effective delegation:
1. Explain the big picture related to the project. By providing perspective, you will enable more effective results. They will understand the relevance of the project to the overall success of the organization.
2. Explain why the individual was selected to manage the task. By providing information to the project leader as to why he or she was selected, you will further underline the importance of their involvement and commitment to the task.
3. Define the task by clearly describing the end result desired. By describing what success will look like, you will be able to provide a picture of the final result, rather than the means by which it should be done. Describe the what, rather than the how.
4. Outline the boundaries and resources available. By giving information related to budgets, people, resources, you will define the project scope clearly.
5. Explain timelines and steps. By clearly defining the timetable for the project, interim checkpoints, and steps involved, you will further build the framework for the project’s success.
6. Ask for a summary. By asking the person to summarize to you his or her understanding of all of the elements of the project, you will not only be able to check for accuracy, but you will also gain commitment and energy around the project.
One word of caution: too many people, when they delegate, expect the person to do the work exactly the way they would have done the work. Remember that you are delegating the end result, not how they got there. As an example, instead of saying “make 20 phone calls today to try to get 5 sales appointments,” a more effective delegation is, “Schedule at least five sales appointments by the end of the week.” It is important to allow creativity and diversity in the way things are accomplished. To do this, you need to let go of your need to control the “how.” Keep control of the “what.”
You will be surprised at not only how much your folks will get done, but how creatively they will accomplish things. Additionally, you may even be surprised at how much more time you have to devote to higher level issues facing your organization!
So. Delegate effectively. And delegate even more often!
