How to Delegate Authority
For managers and masterminds of large offices, the question often comes up, how do you effectively delegate roles, responsibilities and authorities to individuals within your organization? Measuring out the specific roles of various players is a blank slate that you as a manager will have to fill. Find ways to streamline the process by making common sense decisions.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Work to each person's strengths. Don't put the sales people in charge of spreadsheets and the accountant in charge of advertising. Always keep in mind what are each person's unique skills and abilities. The things they are best at are probably things they enjoy. This will make the process much easier.
-
2
Avoid bad relationship assignments. Don't put a person in charge of someone with whom they have a negative working relationship. On the flip side of that coin, also avoid putting someone in charge of a person on whom they have a crush. Much of delegation success is getting the "bland" relationships working together to avoid workplace drama.
-
-
3
Make sure the person you are tapping on the shoulder can handle their new assignments. Avoid giving more authority and oversight to someone who is swamped; they'll probably plough on through, ignoring any new developments and letting the whole thing unravel. Find someone who is sharp and could use a little more work.
-
4
Avoid favoritism or singling out individuals. The "boss's pet" issue comes up more times than most bosses would care to contemplate. Delegating and handing out roles means being deliberately vague on some points and "spreading the jobs around" to make sure that you can't be accused of playing favorites.
-
5
Delegate with care. You don't want to "delegate yourself out of a job." No, not literally; but a boss who puts too much on someone else's shoulders becomes vulnerable, much like the proverbial king with too many generals. When you stop being active in your role, you encourage dissent and disorganization, and if you delegate too much, it will be resented. Stay active and in control and practice what you preach around the office.
-
1
