Do you hear yourself saying “By the time I tell someone how to do it I can do it myself” or “No one can do it better than me“? Although those statements may very well be true, it’s worth the time and energy to involve and motivate your team by delegating.
| “Delegating means letting others become the experts and hence the best.” ~ Timothy Firnstahl – restaurateur, author |
Delegation has become an essential skill for all managers. Used effectively, it provides real benefits including building employee confidence, increasing productivity as well as freeing your time for strategic issues. Here are a few practical tips to improve delegation in your organization:
- Identify the Right Tasks: Of course there are tasks you must do, keep these. Good tasks to delegate are: a) Things you should do, but someone can help you and b) Things you could do, but others could do if given the opportunity/training.
- Paint a Clear Picture of Results: Ensure success by defining the outcomes in a clear and measurable way. Provide coaching for achievement of the end results but let your employees use their creativity to make the assignment their own.
- Use Delegation to Motivate: Identify the motivational needs of your team members before delegating. Some people are motivated by learning something new, others enjoy contributing to the team and others want career growth.
- Determine Authority Level: How much authority will you delegate before your employee has to check back for your approval? Letting everyone know they have the authority to act will help pave the way for their success.
- Recognize Accomplishments: Thank and reward your team members to build their confidence to take on future assignments.
| “The effective person never asks HOW will I get to do this but rather WHO will I get to do this.” ~ Mary Cantando – author, Woman’s Advantage |