Delegating, What and Why?

Delegating is one of the most misunderstood tools in management today. If it done correctly it's a win, win, win situation. The manager wins, the delegate wins and the business wins as well.

First examine the reason you are delegating the task. Are you trying to teach someone new skills? Are you just too busy to get it all done? Are you trying to use team member's individual strengths to build a strong and efficient team? All of these are valid reasons, but knowing the reason helps you pick the right person for the right task.

Delegating is part of what makes a team strong and resilient. It creates trust between team members and gives everyone a piece of the pie to see that the project gets done.

It is important not to delegate the part of the job that you, as the manager, is getting paid to complete. For example, if employee reviews are listed in your job description, that review can not be delegated. There may be some of the prep work that can be delegated. For example, someone may be able to print production reports and bring the personal file.

When you delegate a task make your instructions clear and measurable. For example, give a due date. If you need to have progress updates schedule updates interviews well in advance. Set guidelines for the job so you can get the results both of you need. Use the talents of the team wisely and pair together those who may need a little more time to complete the job with those who can be helpful and not overbearing.

Give the associate the credit and the freedom to complete the task. If everything must be run by you, do it yourself. Make sure he/she has all the access they need to complete the task. This may include information that has not been available to the associate in the past, overtime hours and perhaps a team of people. The job can not be done if they do not have the right tools.

When the task is completed give credit where credit is due. Evaluate the job with the associate. Talk about other opportunities and tasks that may benefit both of you. This is the time to teach all those you work with about teamwork and succeeding as a group. It is a great time to point out how much we can learn from each other and help us to set individual goals as well.

It is not an easy task to completely turn over and delegate something. However, it is a sign of great leadership when it is done and done right.

Here's to delegation, Win. Win. Win.