How to Delegate

from Managing for Dumbies 8/13 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

Why it’s important !!!
· Your Success depends on it.
· You don’t have Time to do it all
· So you can Concentrate on what only you can do
· Delegation gets your Staff more involved
· You’ll test & develop Staff for higher positions

Myths of Delegating
1. If you can’t trust them when you delegate, why did you hire them in the first place? If it’s small/ simple, let them do it on their own. If it’s big/ complex, set in on their meetings as the Mgt Advisor.
2. You lose control and don’t know what results to expect. Define the objectives & monitor the progress to keep on the path.
3. You’re the only one who has all the answers. Assign one of persons closest to problem, process or the most competent in that area.
4. You can get it done faster than anyone. It may take time to delegate & explain what you want, but they may come up with a solution that is beyond your thoughts.
5. Delegation dilutes your authority. No, it extends it. The more people you get working on the problem, will multiply your efforts.
6. Decreases your flexibility and you’ll lose control. (Not if defined accurately & checked periodically) You don’t really have flexibility. You have concentrated on the most urgent priority, and the more you delegate, the more flexibility you will have to pick who will do the problem & how you will manage them.
7. Your Staff is too busy already, but you’re even busier. Only you can handle some situations, and they can’t. They want new challenges to keep it interesting & grow, so try to delegate all they could handle.
8. They don’t see the “Big Picture”. But they will, if you share it with them – your Vision and how you will accomplish it. They’re more focused with a Vision, but let them surprise you with creative ways of solving the problem.

How to Delegate.
1. Communicate the task & objectives in detail – along with the deadlines.
2. Explain why it’s important & the possible complications.
3. Set Milestones (if long or complex) But let them know, you want to review the progress frequently
4. Grant the Authority necessary, but define the limitations.
5. Provide the Support & Resources needed ($$, Personnel, Training, etc)
6. Get a Commitment to assure they understand their responsibilities & your expectations.

Always Delegate:
· Detail Work that can be handled by others.
· Research/ Info collecting. Your job would be to summarize this.
· Repetitive Work – where you can train others to do.
· A Clone – that can represent you on minor issues. Train them on your principles & approach.
· Future Duties – so they can gain experience and you’ll get a chance to evaluate their performance for future responsibilities.

Comments: Is there anything you can add to this?