Delegation - an important skill to have?
26 Feb 2007
One of the most common areas of difficulties we come across when training managers is their reluctance to delegate. Delegation is about entrusting responsibility and authority to others to complete a task or activity.
Why Delegate can be beneficial?
Delegation is not easy: it requires courage, patience and careful planning. However, whilst initially time consuming there are a number of benefits including generating time for yourself, team members feeling that they are more trusted and securing a greater commitment from the people in your team. Other benefits include:
• Delegation equips the people in your team to solve their own problems. In this way everyone (including you) is used to their maximum potential, and the overall effectiveness of the team is maximised.
• Delegation gives you more time to spend on the central part of your role. Your job is concerned with planning the future, as well as organising the present. If you do not have time to think ahead, you will spend your time fire fighting rather than planning how to stay ahead of the competition.
• Delegation makes you dispensable. In principle, it is only dispensable people who get promoted, as their teams are prepared and ready to manage without them
• Delegation helps you motivate the individuals in your team and assess their potential. The planned transfer of authority and responsibility can help you to retain the interest and commitment of your team, develop their skills, and help prepare them for more responsible roles in the future.
Below are some tips on how to delegate:
• Make a list of what could be delegated
• Select people who are capable, willing and interested
• Explain reasons why and the results expected
• Let go of responsibility and authority but maintain accountability
• Let staff/team members establish priorities, you fix deadlines
• Follow up on the task
• Be available for help but don’t spy
• Be prepared to invest time early on explaining/coaching - it will pay off in the end
• Demand finished work; don’t accept problems but do accept suggestions for solutions
• Always give credit for good work
• Remember- intelligent people learn from their mistakes
For more information about Delegating, or any other management topic please contact us on 02380 695929 or via email webenquiries@developingpeople.co.uk
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