The Messy Art of Delegation

"It's just easier to do it myself."  "They won't do it the way I would."  "I don't have time to delegate." Yep, I've heard it all when it comes to delegation.  And, honestly, I've said these things myself.   

Delegation is a messy business.  That's because, despite what you see in the movies, we don't yet have the technology to directly transfer knowledge, skill and experience from one brain to another.  And, frankly, it's a little scary to think about that possibility.    

For now, leaders whose plates are full and for whom overwhelm is real, effective delegation is really the only answer.
   

Delegation is the act of giving someone the responsibility AND authority for a task or process.  The delegation process can get really messy if you give someone the responsibility, but not the authority, and vice versa.  So if you're ready to commit to the delegation process, here are the 8 steps for effective delegation.   And remember, it gets easier and more enjoyable with practice.  You might even turn it into an artform.

1.  Select the task to delegate
What's been on your to do list for a long time?  What tasks are taking up your time and energy?  What tasks are routine and repeatable?  What tasks would you like to train someone else to do?  What tasks might be lead ups to team member promotions?

2.  Prepare for delegation
After identifying the task, get clear on the results you want.  And what, if any, extra tools or processes will be needed for successful completion of the task.  Effective delegation requires you to clearly articulate what success looks like. Skip this step at your own peril.

3.  Select the right person
Who has strengths that match the requirements of the task?  Who has the time and energy to take on the task?  Who is ready for a new opportunity?

4.  Assign the task
Clearly articulate what's expected.  Paint a picture of what success looks like.  This includes the results you're looking for (including how you'd like them presented), the timeline for completion and the scope of their decision-making authority.  The more specific, the better.  Tip:  Stay focused on the result and allow for creativity on how it's done.

5.  Confirm understanding
Ask questions to confirm that the person understands the nature and scope of the task.  What is your understanding of what I've shared with you?  What else can I tell you to ensure that you're successful?  What other resources can I provide to ensure your success?  This is also a critical step and one that is often overlooked.  Remember, "Clear is kind.  Unclear is unkind".  

6.  Create check ins
It's important when delegating a task for the first time to monitor progress and provide feedback along the way.  Don't wait until the task is complete to weigh in.  This will reduce the chance that you'll be disappointed by the result and increase the confidence of your team members.

7.  Give credit
If you've done the first 6 steps well, and the task is completed successfully, be sure to give credit to your team member.  Giving credit inspires team member commitment to future delegation opportunities.

8.  Review the process 
It's tempting when a task has been completed successfully to skip this step.  Don't do it.  If you want to be a masterful delegator, it's vital to do a process review.  How'd it go?  What went well?  What could be done differently?  Have this conversation with your team members and identify adjustments for the future.

Effective delegation
What's in it for you? 
More time and capacity to do the work only you can do.  

What's in it for your team members? 
Professional development and a sense of accomplishment.

It's a win for everyone. Go forth and delegate.

_______________________

Passionate Leadership
is who you're being as you're leading.

About the Author

Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator and founder of Total Life Leadership. At Total Life Leadership, we partner with purpose-driven non-profit leaders and service entrepreneurs to help them answer the question “How Do I Become a Better Leader?”

Using The Six Pillars of Passionate Leadership, we equip leaders to be the best they can be.  The result is a passionate leader whose team and organization are operating for maximum impact.

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