The Art of Delegation

Hi Leaders

 Many of frustrations among anyone in a leadership position is when tasks delegated are not completed or followed through.

 But, there is an art to delegating tasks, even to those ready for the next level.

 Delegate:
  • entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person, typically one who is less senior than oneself.
    • synonyms: assign, entrust, give, pass on, hand on/over, turn over, consign, devolve, depute, transfer
  • send or authorise (someone) to do something as a representative.
    • synonyms: authorise, commission, depute, appoint, nominate, name, mandate, empower, charge, choose, select, designate, elect; detail
What stands out in the description of delegating is that takes trusting someone and empowering someone. These are two of the qualities a great leader displays.

 The art of delegating is the first step in realising the vision you as a leader has laid before your team. As mentioned before, and the obvious, you cannot achieve the goal on your own.

 Why is delegating so important?
  • Increases satisfaction of work - a sense of accomplishment
  • Encourages self-motivators - not need to constantly instruct
  • Still necessitates having leaders - still available for consultation
So, how do you master the art of delegation?
  • Make Sure Your Team Is Ready For The Responsibility
    • A big part of delegation is being able to trust that everyone on your team can take on the responsibility and can make their own decisions. 
    • Assign a project to your team and delegate every task to them. 
    • Make sure they know you have complete faith in their ability to complete the task.
  • Set Solid Deadlines
    • Make sure your team knows exactly when each component of their project is due. As a supervisor, set up point A and point B. 
    • Allow your employees to get their as they deem fit and lay out all due dates. Make a schedule for them to follow, a visual spread sheet or checklist will give your team something to hold on to and be able to refer back to if necessary. 
    • Set up reminders for them in either an email, office memo, ect.
  • Explain Everything You Can Right Away
    • You can’t just expect your team to know exactly what you want from them.You must explain everything you want out of the project.
    • A Blue Print or Loose Frame Work. That way they will have a starting point, which will let their creativity fuel the project from that point on.
  • Keep an Open Door and An Open Mind
    • Make sure your workers know that and are able to come to you with any questions, concerns, or just to bounce ideas off of you.
    • Establish an open door policy where they can come to you and you will be willing to help them with anything; remember that they might not always know what they are doing, and more likely you have an answer or a solution.
  • Set Up Project Check In’s
    • Allowing free reign is a big part of the delegating leadership style. However, you still need to know that the work is being accomplished.
    • Set up Project check-in’s. This will keep both you and your workers and on a cohesive timeline.
  • If Something Is Going Wrong Take Action
    • Remember, you are still in charge.
    • If you see something isn’t right, whether it’s unfinished work or errors, step in.
Points to remember when delegating tasks:
  • Consider the knowledge, experience and ability to complete the task - if it overwhelms the team member, you will end up with a demotivated team member... remember, you want them to feel accomplished
  • Timing - Allocate enough time for the task to be complete, and also consider other responsibilities the assignee has to commit to
  • Coach and train, do not scold or demean or discredit the team member
  • And most of all - Give Recognition!
I hope this was helpful. Please feel free to add any tips or recommendations you might have.

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