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

A good leader is a good delegator and a good facilitator.

            Successful leaders pick good people to do what needs to be done and have enough sense and restraint to keep from meddling while they get on and do it.

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

            You are still responsible for what you delegate but by giving them greater autonomy you will enrich their work and stimulate production.

            Good delegators are always in demand.

A Handful of Tips to Improve Your Delegation Skills

* Select tasks to be delegated

            If it’s an event – break it up into units.

            Speakers; publicity; catering; site; sound system, etc

            Give the responsibility to organise each activity to the most capable person in the organisation.  Your role becomes the coordinator.

* Choose the best person

            Before you delegate a task you need to know the ability of the people.             What are their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and availability?

            Which member of the team is best qualified for the job? Will they have the time to take on the task?

            Will they benefit from the experience?

            Will it enrich their work?

            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 what’s at stake and how they fit into the big picture. What a unique opportunity they have and how the experience will benefit them.            

How will the new task provide them an opportunity to develop new skills?

*Define the outcome

             Set out the rules clearly.

            Set clear performance standards and explain the results you expect.

            Discuss guidelines. (If necessary, supply a model against which they can measure their performance.) Give them time to think about the task and ask questions before agreeing.

            Try to inspire their commitment.

* 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.

            Encourage feedback, and negotiate dates for regular progress reports.

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

            Tell others about the new situation and any changing responsibilities.

            Always give credit where credit is due.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Delegation means delegating responsibility, authority, and accountability.”

Source, “Secrets for New Managers”. A collection of guidelines and helpful advice, First published by  Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand, and Cengage Learning, Asia. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.