6 Ways to Delegate More Effectively

For business owners and managers, delegation is an essential skill, and a leadership responsibility. The hazards of doing everything yourself can include burnout and missed deadlines. You may get stretched too thin, or find that you don't have all the skills nee ded for the job. That's when it's time to delegate. Here are six tips to get you started.

1. Select people for the job, and motivate them.
 
Define the scope of the work based on the outcomes, products, and deliverables. Next, identify the people for each task. Look for dependability and motivation as well as skill. The way you present a task can bolster someone's willingness to participate, or to stretch beyond their comfort zone, and follow through.

2. Match the person to the task.

You compliment people when you ask them to take on a task that matches or expands their skills. People enjoy showing off what they know. Again, to make the match, get to know people. Find out about their experience, education, hobbies, and training.

3. Define project tasks and communicate them clearly.

Clearly communicate to each team member the purpose of the project, his or her responsibilities, and the schedule. Speci fy and quantify what you expect for the final outcome and/or interim products. Example: "We need 100 copies of an eight-page report by September 1." Give people outlines, checklists, and diagrams.

4. Track progress, give feedback, and help people solve problems.

Check in periodically and ask your team about their progress. Are they on schedule? Do they have the resources they need? Have they run up against any unforeseen obstacles? Do they still understand the requirements? Monitor the work and give feedback in a positive, helpful way.

5. Allow for creativity and variations in work style.

Keep your focus on the final result/products, not on the details of how the job gets done. People work according to individual learning styles and preferences. When you let them work in their preferred ways, they feel ownership for the effort.

6. Provide incentives and show appreciation.

Let people know there is a pay-off in working for you, and develop a reputation as someone who rewards good work. Send personal notes of thanks and say "Thank you for a job well done."

Extract from article by Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D. 

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