DELEGATION –

            One of the most important skills you can master is the art of delegation.

       Good delegators are always in demand.   

       The ability to be able to delegate is a mark of a good manager and leader.

       The best leaders pick good people to do what needs to be done, and then have enough sense and restraint to keep from meddling while they do it. It’s a good way to develop and select people for advancement .

       By delegating some of your time-consuming activities you will have more time for priority work, such as talking to staff and clients. You will have more time for thinking, planning and making any changes that may be needed.

A handful of tips to help you become a successful delegator

* First, list your activities

       What are your essential tasks?

       Which jobs are enjoyable but not absolutely essential?

       Which jobs take too much of your time?

       Which ones could you delegate to free up your time?

* Next, choose the best person for the task

       Which member of your team is best qualified for the job?

       Will they have the time to take on a new task?

       Can they be relieved of some of their duties by sub-delegating?

       Will they benefit from the experience?

       Will it enrich their work and stimulate production?

       Select the most suitable person and discuss the situation with them.

* Promote the task

       First highlight the challenges.

       Express your faith in the person’s ability to rise to the challenge of the new task.

       Tell them how the experience will benefit them.

       Does the task provide an opportunity for the selected person to develop new skills towards a future promotion?

* Set clear performance standards

       Discuss guidelines and if necessary, supply a model against which they can measure their performance.

       Give them time to think about the new task and ask questions before they agree to it.

* Keep the lines of communication open

       Make sure they know you are always available to help if problems arise they cannot solve but encourage them to try to solve all problems first.

       Encourage feedback, and agree on dates for regular progress reports.

       Tell people what you want done, by when, and leave them to it.

       Tell others about any new situations and the changing responsibilities.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Delegation means delegating responsibility, authority and accountability.”

Source:  

            “Revitalise Your Business – guidelines for new leader-managers” and “Secrets for New Managers”, first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand.  “Business Secrets” and “Secrets for New Managers” published by Cengage Learning Asia, the Singapore Institute of Management  and available as e-books from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.

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