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.