Become a DELEGATOR –

The ability to delegate well is the mark of a good leader.

         Good delegators are always in demand.

          Delegation means delegating responsibility, authority, and accountability.

           Successful leaders pick good people to do what needs to be done, and then have enough sense and restraint, not to interfere while they do it. It’s a good way to develop and select people for advancement.

          Delegating some of your time-consuming activities will give more time for priority work.  You will have more time for thinking, planning, and making changes that may be needed. You will also have more time for talking to clients and your people.

A handful of tips to help you become a successful delegator

* 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?

* Choose the best person for the tasks

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

          Will they have the time to take on new work?

          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 productivity?

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

* Promote the task

          Highlight the challenges.

          Express your faith in their ability to do the new tasks.  

          Explain how the experience will benefit them.

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

* Set performance standards

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

          Let them think about the new tasks and ask questions before they agree to them.

* Keep the lines of communication open

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

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

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

          Tell others about any new situations and the changing responsibilities.

          This year make a special effort to master this skill – you will be well rewarded.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“The ability to delegate is the key to management and leadership – good managers are good delegators and good facilitators.”

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 also available as e-books from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.