Delegation is an assignment of a task or authority to another person. This process is imperative in management and leadership. Delegating can be hard if you don’t trust the people you are delegating to in the workplace. Here are some tips to get you started in the right direction:
Figure out things – The first thing that could be holding you back is the time to sit down and figure out things. There is preparation that must occur and a good understanding of employees to see how they work on different assignments. Spend some time learning about others and what tasks they excel at and where they may be lacking prior to assigning.
Divide tasks – Look at the series of tasks that you have in a typical month and determine which tasks are in your particular skillset. Keep the tasks you excel at and delegate the tasks that you are not the best at or that you don’t enjoy as much. If the task is easy and not too detailed, you may consider delegating.
Make a delegation process – Create a detailed plan with key components like a detailed explanation of a task. Delegation should occur early in the process, so undue stress isn’t added on to the new task that will be completed. Provide a deadline for the task to be completed. Explain the context of the task as well, so the employees know what they are completed and why it is important. Add any brief notes to the list of tasks that may help the process be completed more easily.
Keep up with tasks – Make sure to have set time points to check in on tasks, but don’t overdo it and become a micromanager. These tasks must be assigned and you must let go of them until you are ready to accept them at the completion date. Checking in periodically may just cause more stress and give the impression you trust the abilities of your employees.
Give resources – There is nothing worse than delegating a task and not giving permission levels for them to access needed data. Ensure that they have all of the tools and information they need to complete the task on time.
Invite participation – Make sure to encourage discussion and participation in tasks. Others may have ideas to streamline the process. People doing the work regularly will be the best people to talk with to determine the best way to achieve the results desired.
Measure results – Make sure to measure results regularly to determine how patterns are working and the ensure that work being performed is successful to the organization. Taking time to assess the situation is in the best interest of the organization and worth the time invested.
Recognize achievements – Don’t forget to recognize those around you that are doing work for you and providing resources for you to look good as a supervisor. Taking credit for all of the work completed is never the way a supervisor should be, they should give credit where it is due.
