Delegate Like You Mean It
Leadership requires a host of skills: communication, empathy, visionary thinking, and emotional intelligence (just to name a few!). Delegation is a vital skill that successful leaders learn to master. Without a trained ability to delegate tasks and projects effectively, managers struggle with an imbalanced workload, lack of trust on the team, and difficulty motivating employees.
So, how does a leader learn to delegate?
Delegation is a skill. Some people are naturally comfortable with delegating while others struggle with the concept. You can flex your delegation muscles by starting with simple tasks, such as opening and sorting mail or emailing a weekly report to staff. Practicing these low-risk assignments helps you get comfortable with asking for help and support from the team. Then, you will feel more confident delegating more important work.
Delegation is an opportunity. Leaders who delegate create room for growth on their teams. In fact, delegation is the fastest and most efficient way to build self-sufficient teams that can function with little supervision. Employees may have untapped skills that become evident when they are given an opportunity to try something new or take on the responsibility of a particular task or project. Teams follow leaders who trust them and are willing to share ownership.
Delegation is not perfection. The most common reason leaders hesitate to delegate is the fear of losing control. Remember that delegation means you are creating space for new vision and opportunities for others to grow and learn. Delegation is not giving up control or even accountability for the outcomes. Start small and get comfortable with new and unique outcomes. The process will not be perfect and may not be the way you would do it, but let it unfold. Step in when asked or to course correct when needed.
Delegating tasks and projects offers many benefits to busy leaders. Taking routine items off your plate creates space for you to focus on greater opportunities that scale successful business practices. The process of delegating to team members increases collective respect and trust among the team. Individuals develop critical and strategic thinking skills, increasing a sense of ownership.
Is it easy to delegate? Not always. It requires clear and frequent communication in the beginning. You must give specific expectations and be transparent about the goals of a project or task. The process stretches the communication of a manager and the growth potential of an employee. The only real rule of delegation is there are no takebacks. Once an assignment has been delegated, you cannot rescind the offer when you want to do it your way. If an employee is struggling, your obligation is to communicate the instructions again and help them find their way to success.
