How to assign tasks to subordinates - Become a Great Leader

The ART of leadership. One of the core leadership attributes that every leader must have is the ability to delegate. This is easier said than done. I've seen leaders simply assign a task that ultimately doesn't get done correctly. Of course, it is the leaders job to define "correctly". When assigning a task, remember the word "ART". Leadership is as much an ART as it is a skill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The A stands for: Articulate the goal. You must first make sure that the person you assign the task to fully understands the desired outcome. Ask yourself the question "What do you want?". Once you know that answer, tell the subordinate what it is you want. Your not going to explain exactly how to do it just that you want it done to meet the performance goal(s) that you have in mind.

2. The R stands for: Resources. Make sure that the subordinate has the resources needed to achieve the goal. Provide all resources that may be needed. If you have points of contact that will be helpful, provide them. If you have tools needed for the task, provide them. You must make sure that the goal is achievable and can put your subordinate in a position to be successful. After all, you both want the same thing. You want the job done correctly the first time and the subordinate wants to do a good job to impress you and enhance his or her career.

3. The T stands for: Training. make sure you have assigned the task for which the subordinate has been adequately trained to perform. If the subordinate will be required to perform tasks that he or she is not trained for, provide the training first or assign someone else. I've seen many subordinates fail because they lacked the training to perform the tasks up to expectations and the leader was not able to identify the lack of training prior to task assignment.

Tips & Warnings

• Before assigning a task, make sure you ask yourself these important questions first.
• Remember that leadership is as much an ART as it is a skill. If you remember the word ART, you will be more likely to remember these questions and your suborinates will complete tasks much closer to your expectations.
• You are only human and will make mistakes. It is important that you review the outcome of each task to see if it met your expectations. If it didn't, go back and review and make that you weren't part of the problem. Find out what you can do better and learn from it.