Steps Managers Should Take to Delegate Effectively
One of the most crucial aspects of being a successful leader is the ability delegate effectively. For some, this can be a challenging process because it means relinquishing control and allowing others to take the reins. Considering the urgency of their responsibilities, some leaders avoid delegating, instead they keep in control of every project big and small. However, being enmeshed in minutiae can come at a cost. Constantly getting bogged down by routine tasks can prevent you from focusing on the bigger-picture business goals. Avoiding delegation can also put you on the road to burnout. In order to truly delegate effectively, there are a few steps that you can take to ensure that the process is handled as well as possible.
Choose the Right Person
If you take a good look at your existing team, you’ll notice that they each have their own set of skills and abilities. Perhaps one person is very good at organizing while another may be an excellent public speaker. Evaluate which type of person should complete the task based on their strengths. This will ensure that the task is completed at a high standard.
Practice Open Communication
When delegating, you’ll likely need to answer questions throughout the various stages of the task. Everybody has a unique perspective, so this could also allow you the opportunity to hear different ideas and approaches that you had not previously considered.
Set a Deadline
Make sure that the people involved understand the deadline that you have in place. For some projects, several deadlines may be necessary so that the entire project remains on task. Set the deadlines as soon as possible and make sure everybody has the bandwidth to meet the deadlines. You may also want to create a plan if a deadline isn’t met.
Ask for Input
It’s important to communicate during the project, but don’t forget to follow-up after it is completed. This is a great time to ask questions and consider the input for how to move forward with future delegated tasks. You can also use this opportunity to praise the person who stepped up to help you out. Creating a team that can take on additional tasks is certainly something that will help your company thrive.
Overview
Learning to delegate effectively allows employees to broaden their skills, while freeing up time for more big-picture projects that will increase the bottom line.
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