How to Improve Delegation Skills

Avoid overburdening yourself by enlisting help from others

Let go of your inner control freak by responsibly delegating tasks to other individuals. Make thoughtful decisions about what tasks to delegate and who will do them. Lending responsibility to co-workers frees time for you to attend to other tasks, as well as invites new talents and abilities. Additional skills add to the talent pool, contributing to the project's overall success.

Instructions

1. Give yourself permission not to micromanage the project, allowing delegates enough freedom to complete their tasks unencumbered by excessive oversight. Accept that the task may be done differently than you expect, but have faith it will be completed as assigned. Once delegates are assigned, have confidence in their abilities and devote time to your own tasks.

2. Invest time and energy on the front end by specifically planning out which tasks need to be performed. Analyze the skills and abilities of potential delegates. Match the best candidates to each task. Reserve tasks that cannot be completed successfully by other candidates and do them yourself. Be willing to pass tasks onto others, if they are the best candidates, even if those are tasks you enjoy performing. Assign delegates to tasks and encourage them to showcase their talents. Recognize that by delegating, you free up time to complete things others can't do.

3. Communicate responsibilities and expectations to the delegates. Cover the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the project. Discuss expected results and set a clear time limit for completion. Establish time frames for checking in and monitoring progress. Clarify the delegates' level of authority and ask for questions regarding duties. Invite feedback and suggestions for improvements regarding the overall plan. Relate how their tasks interface with others on the team and identify restrictions.

4. Adhere to the check-in points that were originally established, but don't hover over delegates needlessly. Monitor progress while offering insight and helpful suggestions. Actively listen to the delegate's comments and concerns. Address issues swiftly, to alleviate larger problems. Anticipate that delegates may not react to issues in the same manner as you would, but have confidence in their ability to solve problems.

5. Praise delegates along the way. Acknowledge innovative ideas and creative suggestions. Notice those who go the extra mile or who make a positive difference. Acknowledge any personal or professional sacrifices. Award their personal contributions with personal words of praise, public acknowledgment of accomplishments to others, a certificate of appreciation, a small token of appreciation or other reward.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay focused on the goal. Give your project scope and see it through to completion. Expect a few bumps in the road. Be willing to tackle them while maintaining a good disposition. Celebrate success with everyone at the end of the project.

• Don't sweat the small stuff. Unless the issue will hurt someone or negatively affect the overall success of the project, be willing to let it lie.

References

• Mind Tools: Successfull Delegation
• Career Know How; How to Delegate Effectively; Gregory P. Smith

Resources

• Time Management Success: How to Delegate Work Tasks
• Texas Legal Entities: Delegating Tasks as a Business Owner