Need To Delegate Better?
In today’s busy world, one of the best ways to get more time for those top-priority projects is by delegating some of the lower-priority work to someone else.
We can’t speak for everyone, but many people are reluctant or afraid to delegate some of their work.
Do any of these reasons sound familiar?
- Nobody can do this work as well as I can
- If I delegate this work, there’s no guarantee that it’ll get done properly
- If someone else does this better than I do, I’m in trouble
- But I haven’t got time to teach someone else how to do it
- But I want to be seen as a nice guy, not a slave driver
You’re Part of a Team …
When we try to help each other out, it’s called, “Teamwork”. In a well-run organisation, everyone works together as a team. Different jobs are performed by different members and there are various levels of authority and responsibility.
Here’s 10 tips that will save you time and get you the help you need:
10 Delegation Tips for Managers
System
Firstly, have you got the task documented or systemised? – It’s much easier to trust someone to follow steps in a process to achieve the same result if they have been trained properly in the first place!
Communicate
Ask for help, don’t demand it
Purpose
Make sure the person has a clear picture of the purpose of any delegated work and knows what kind of results you expect
Explain
Take the time to talk it through, explaining specifically what you’re looking for
Resources
Give the person all the information and other resources they’ll need to complete the project
Deadline
Set a realistic deadline that’s agreeable and workable for both of you
Progress
Keep yourself available for questions and when necessary ask for periodic progress reports
Assist
Don’t assume a person will be able to complete a delegated task without any additional help or assistance from you
Familiarity
Never give a person a task you yourself aren’t familiar with
Praise
When the project has been completed, give lots of praise and credit for a job well done!
Keep Track of Delegated Work …
Delegating a job to someone else doesn’t mean you can forget about it. Put the person’s initials next to the item on your things to-do list and enter the deadline you’ve both agreed upon on your calendar.
If you’re delegating a part of a larger project, you need to make doubly sure that ALL work is completed on time; otherwise, the whole project may be delayed.
Delegating is a confidence builder, for both the “delegate” and the “delegator”. With practice you’ll gain confidence in your own ability to delegate and in your colleague’s ability to complete the work.
The ability to delegate effectively has a double payoff. You’ll save time, which you can spend on other important projects, and you’ll send a signal to your colleagues and managers that you’re an excellent team player & leader.